At Team IMPACT, we know being a teammate goes far beyond the game. Being a teammate means connection, consistency, and showing up for one another through both the good times and the bad. For Liam, a 16-year-old living with a rare genetic disorder called KIF1A, that kind of connection found him in September 2024 when he was matched with the Miami Ohio hockey team.
From day one, Liam found his place with the Miami Ohio hockey team. But within that team, one relationship quickly grew into something especially meaningful: his friendship with Blake Mesenberg.
For the last year and a half, Blake has been what Liam’s mom, Melissa, calls “a major player in Liam’s life.” What started as a teammate connection quickly evolved into a genuine, steady bond. “Liam knows that no matter what, he can always call Blake and talk to him about anything,” Melissa said, “even if Blake is home for the holidays or on summer break. Blake makes Liam feen seen, loved, and a part of the team.”
That connection was nearly instant, entirely unexpected, and 100% authentic. “When we met Blake, we realized he was special,” Melissa recalled. “We didn’t know how easy it would be for Blake and Liam to just fall into a genuine friendship.” Blake takes interest in everything Liam is doing, supports him through his medical journey, cheers him on in every aspect of his life, and takes time to truly see how Liam is feeling. As a parent, Melissa has been blown away by the genuine care and connection her son found in Blake. “Blake makes eye contact and gives Liam his full attention when they are together,” she said, “not because he has to but because he wants to.”
This consistent and continued connection has helped Liam blossom, both with the team and in his personal life. Liam has not only found a team—he has found himself. “Through this journey, Blake has found his voice, his ability to be more open and comfortable with letting others in his life,” Melissa said. “Blake has shown Liam what it truly means and looks like to be a friend.” Which, for Melissa, is huge. “Liam has never had a group of friends prior to joining the team, making it hard to have a birthday party. Blake made sure Liam’s 16th birthday was memorable, and Liam still talks about that night months later.”
For Liam and his family, Blake is more than a teammate—he’s a role model, a friend, and a brother. “From a parent standpoint, you want your children to have friends like Blake,” she said, “selfless and kind, ready to be there to lead the way. Blake has exceeded all our expectations on what a teammate and friend should be while we are all on this Team IMPACT journey together. Blake is more like family to Liam.”
Friendships like Liam and Blake’s are at the heart of what Team IMPACT is all about. It’s not just about adding a name to a roster—it’s about building relationships that change lives with student-athletes who will shape futures.
“The world could use more Blake Mesenburgs in it,” Melissa said. “He is a leader of high character, with a genuine heart. We love the bond our son has with him, and we are thankful Liam has been blessed with such a great teammate. Blake Mesenburg is a teammate worthy of celebrating.”
