At Team IMPACT, we believe every child deserves a place where they feel seen, celebrated, and truly belong. For 16-year-old Charlotte, who lives with cerebral palsy, that place is with the Belmont cheer team. Since being matched in October 2024, Charlotte has brought her radiant energy to every practice, game, and performance—and her teammates can’t imagine the team without her.
Whether it’s holding pom-poms, hyping up the crowd, or dancing on the court, Charlotte’s joy is contagious. Her teammates have embraced her with open arms, and one special friendship has stood out: her bond with student-athlete Alexis Ignatin. So when it came time to nominate a Teammate of the Year, Charlotte knew Alexis was her girl.
“Alexis has made my daughter’s partnership with Team IMPACT such a joy,” said Charlotte’s mom, Alison. “She has taken the time to see and understand Charlotte and to find ways to include her in team activities that highlight Charlotte’s strengths and abilities.” Charlotte shines bright every single time she is with her teammates, but one of her favorite places to be is on the court with them, where she doesn’t just cheer from the sidelines, she’s incorporated into their routines. “A sense of belonging was something important to us, and Alexis jumped right in to be sure my daughter felt included and a part of the team,” Alison said. “She worked with the coach and the other teammates to re-work cheer routines so that Charlotte didn’t just watch from the sideline but she went out on the court too!”
Alexis and Charlotte’s connection extends far off the court as well. Alexis reaches out to check on Charlotte and to be sure she knows the team is thinking of her when they aren’t together, Alison said. And these are things Alison knows Alexis will take with her long after her time as a cheerleader comes to an end. “We are so grateful to have gotten the chance to work with Alexis and are certain her future as an occupational therapist is bright!”
For Charlotte, the Belmont cheer team has become a second family. For Alexis and her teammates, Charlotte has been a reminder of the true meaning of inclusion and teamwork. Together, they’ve built more than routines. They’ve built a lifelong friendship rooted in joy, trust, and belonging.
