For 11-year-old Eliana “Ellie,” being a part of Georgia Cheer is more than a chance to hype up the crowd alongside teammates. It is the feeling of unconditional love and support.
Ellie, who lives with Williams Syndrome, was matched with UGA cheerleading through Team IMPACT in 2025. Coming into a large team of over fifty members creates some uncertainty, but the UGA coach worked with Team IMPACT to make a smaller board of nine cheerleaders that would help integrate Ellie into the team fully. Among those nine were Hannah.
From the start, Hannah and Ellie shared an unbreakable bond. Hannah always begins every practice by greeting Ellie and making sure to partner up with her at games. She made sure that Ellie never felt out of place in the team environment. After only a few months of being matched together, Hannah texted Ellie’s family this message:
“I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am to be a part of sweet Ellie’s life! She just lights up the room, and I just am so thankful Team IMPACT allowed us all to meet! She is something so special and y’all have done an incredible job with her. She makes my days! Little girls just like her are exactly who make me so excited for my future career. She is the sweetest, HILARIOUS, loving little girl! Can’t wait to see y’all again!”
To Hannah, this may not be a big moment, but to Ellie’s family, it showed the difference that Team IMPACT can make in both an athlete and families’ life. The small moments are what makes the pair’s relationship stand out, with Hannah being in communication with Ellie’s family, and making it a point to be the first to include her; it shows how much she cares about Ellie.
“To watch the impact both ways, on Ellie from Hannah – giving her confidence and acceptance in a world that struggles to do that, and Hannah from Ellie – giving her an opportunity to learn about a child with special abilities and see the world through her eyes – is truly a gift,” Ellie’s family shared.
When Ellie decided to get involved with the “Big Hearts” talent show with ESP, Inc and showcase UGA cheers, Hannah was the first and only volunteer to get on stage with Ellie.
Hannah demonstrates that showing up excited is a game changer in the teammate bond, and that her support and excitement for Ellie’s wins, big or small, makes the world a difference. Hannah’s presence on stage made Ellie feel special. Performing cheers in front of a crowd with her UGA teammates was a huge moment for her confidence.
“What I love about Hannah is that she loves me, and I love her back, and she’s my bestie,” Ellie shared.
Ellie and Hannah show us that Team IMPACT is not about being included only on the big stage, but also backstage. Showing support in the little moments, and including teammates, is where the pair’s bond makes a difference.
