For 17-year-old Sophie, joining the University of Maryland women’s basketball team opened the door to a community that would change her life. The team was matched with Sophie in 2023 and became fast friends. The match became an opportunity to gain meaningful friendships, build confidence, and discover a place where Sophie truly feels she belongs.
The biggest difference maker in Sophie’s team experience? Her teammate Saylor. From the beginning, Saylor made Sophie feel like she was more than just attending team events but was a valued member of the program from the very start. Through small acts of kindness, steady encouragement, and genuine friendship, Saylor helped Sophie find confidence in herself.
“I nominate Saylor for Teammate of the Year because she always helps me in the lockers, she makes me feel happy, excited, and special,” Sophie shared.
While a small gesture such as helping in the locker room may be overlooked by some, it means the world to Sophie and her family. It is one example of countless small moments where Saylor has made sure that Sophie has a place and is welcomed fully.
“Saylor Poffenbarger embodies what it means to be a true teammate,” Sophie’s family shared. “Her impact on Sophie isn’t limited to one special moment; she consistently shows up with genuine kindness, attention, and encouragement that make Sophie feel included and valued as part of the team.”
What stands out most about Saylor’s friendship is its consistency. Saylor makes a difference in the little, everyday moments. She has built a friendship rooted in genuine kindness and care, checking in with Sophie, offering her encouragement, helping navigate activities, and simply spending time together.
“Saylor has made you feel so seen and valued, not just on big game days, but in everyday little moments,” Sophie’s mother said to her.
It is the impact of these moments that have transformed the way Sophie views herself. Over the past three years, Sophie’s confidence has grown tremendously. With Saylor’s support, she can step out onto the court with her teammates, embrace new experiences, build meaningful relationships, and develop a belief in herself that continues to grow.
Sophie’s journey with Team IMPACT reflects the power of inclusion, friendship, and confidence from knowing that you are valued. The sense of belonging is one of the organization’s greatest gifts, and Saylor has made that a reality for Sophie.
Being a teammate is not about how many points are on the scoreboard at the end of the game, but how you make people feel, how you work together, and how you navigate all of the small challenges that turn into big moments. The friendship between Sophie and Saylor is a reminder that some of the most impactful friendships happen quietly. They build in locker rooms, during conversations, and in simple moments where one chooses to show up for the other.
Saylor does not just make Sophie feel like a part of the team; she gives Sophie the confidence of knowing that she is right where she is meant to be.
And that feeling will stay with her long after the buzzer sounds.
