When nine-year-old Logan joined Syracuse men’s basketball through Team IMPACT in 2025, he gained more than a team. He found a place where he could simply be a kid, a teammate, and a friend.
Logan lives with a neurological disorder called epilepsy, and his journey has been marked by challenges that most children never have to face. In 2020, Logan’s family noticed changes in his behavior that made him “check out” for brief periods of time. After seeking medical help, Logan was diagnosed with epilepsy shortly before his fourth birthday.
At six years old, Logan underwent brain surgery, and today, he is three and a half years post-operation and seizure-free. But even after recovering from surgery, his family noticed he carried the weight of his medical history.
That was until he met William. From the moment the two met, Will made an impact on Logan.
“From our very first day with the Syracuse men’s basketball team in October, Will changed something for our family,” Logan’s mom, Danielle, shared.
Will saw more than Logan’s medical history, seeing him as a teammate and friend.
Whether it is at practice or time spent around the team, Will consistently ensures Logan is included. If he sees Logan sitting out at practice, he will always be the first to bring him back into action. Will and Logan practice shooting technique after the rest of the team has gone home and takes the time to create moments that mean more than basketball. These little moments make a difference in building Logan’s self-esteem and sense of belonging.
“From day one, Will didn’t treat Logan like he was fragile,” his family shared. “He didn’t look at him with sympathy or hesitation. He didn’t define him by his diagnosis, his scar, or his history. He saw him. He saw a teammate. He saw strength. He saw potential.”
Will’s impact is shown through small, meaningful actions. His encouragement, steady presence, and genuine friendship make the difference in Logan’s sense of belonging to the team.
“There are moments as a parent when you hold your breath – wondering if your child will be treated differently, if their past will follow them into every room,” they said. “With Will, we don’t hold our breath. We watch our son smile. We watch him compete. We watch him believe he belongs.”
Through Team IMPACT, children like Logan are empowered to see themselves not through the lens of their diagnosis, but through the strength, joy, and potential that have always been there. Logan and Will are more than just teammates. Will is a friend, mentor, and someone who reminds him every day that he belongs.