AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) — Embarking to Saint Joseph, Missouri among eight elite teams competing this week for the NCAA Division II women’s basketball championship, the Daemen Wildcats are elated to have an impactful teammate join their travel party.

Lauren McElrath, a 12-year-old from Cheektowaga added to the roster last spring, made the trip with her grandmother to attend Monday’s quarterfinal game as part of the Team IMPACT program that Daemen has worked with over the past decade.

“It was really fun and surprising that it happened,” said Lauren, who learned she would be dancing with the Wildcats on a video call with players after Friday’s practice. “My brother said that he needed something so he put me on a Zoom call. They surprised me and said I was going. I’m really looking forward to watching them.”

Gabby McDuffie, one of Daemen’s senior captains and a City Honors graduate, informed Lauren, “we all just want to say thank you for being such an amazing part of our team, and just let you know that Team IMPACT is sending you down to the Elite Eight with us.” The Wildcats leapt in celebration, while Lauren shimmied in her chair with both thumbs pointing up.

“Having Lauren has been an amazing experience,” McDuffie said. “She’s a huge part of our team. She’s a super fun and nice person to be around whether we are watching a movie or shooting around in the gym. She puts a smile on anyone’s face she is around. We are beyond excited Lauren gets to join on this journey to the Elite Eight and wouldn’t want it any other way!”

Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams around the country to foster socialization, empowerment, and resilience. Lauren was born with Bartter syndrome, a rare kidney disorder that Children’s Hospital had not treated in 30 years prior, her mother LaTeesha McElrath said. At 1-years-old, she was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.

“Even though she has these medical diagnoses, she is thriving,” McElrath said. “She loves to play basketball herself.”

Introduced to Team IMPACT through the Stone’s Buddies program at O’Shei Children’s Hospital, a signing day for Lauren was held at Lumsden Gymnasium with the women’s basketball players as her audience. She participated in Daemen’s summer camp, and has been a regular at home games this season. Lauren also has enjoyed activities with the team, including a recent round of miniature golf.

“It has definitely made Lauren feel more included,” said McElrath, a senior workforce readiness trainer for Goodwill. “Because of the fact she has a kidney disorder, sometimes it doesn’t feel like she fits in. This helps her feel like she can be herself. They automatically embrace her as part of their family.”

Lauren’s medical conditions do not prevent her from playing competitive sports, her mother said. In 2021, she was made honorary captain for the day at Bills practice. But basketball has become her favorite sport, and she plans to play for her high school team in a few years.

“This has inspired Lauren even more so to be a part of college basketball,” McElrath said. “The other day she was telling me she wants to go to UCLA.”

McDuffie, whose father Steve coaches the Bennett High School football powerhouse, and brother Isaiah plays for the Green Bay Packers, is the Team IMPACT liaison for the Wildcats, coordinating interactions with Lauren and her family.

“It has been super nice to plan the activities and events that we do with her,” McDuffie said. “I have tried my best to make sure when knows that she is part of the team, and we really enjoy when she is around.”

The Wildcats (23-7) face Texas Woman’s (32-4) at 3:30 p.m. Monday for a place in the DII Final Four.