When Liam joined the Kennesaw State football team, he didn’t just become part of a team—he gained a big brother.
Liam, who lives with pachygyria as a result of intractable epilepsy, has had a challenging year. But through it all, his Kennesaw State football teammate Josh Huiet has been a constant source of strength, joy, and inclusion. When it came time to nominate his Teammate of the Year, Liam knew Josh was his guy.
“Josh has really become like a big brother to Liam,” said Liam’s mom, Kaitlin. “Liam’s had a difficult year, but Josh always shows up for him, and even though Liam may not be able to always articulate what he’s thinking, Josh seems to pick it up. He always goes out of his way to make sure Liam’s included and having a good time.”
That care and consistency have meant everything to Liam and his family. Whether it’s hanging out at practice, joining the huddle, grabbing ice cream, or just playing at the park, Liam lights up when he’s with Josh. One of Liam’s favorite moments was when Josh and other teammates came to his school to participate in adapted PE and hang out with Liam and his classmates.
Beyond the fun and the football, the bond has sparked growth and resilience. “While he’s always been friendly, Liam has definitely gotten more confidence to socialize,” Kaitlin shared. “It can be hard for him since he’s limited verbally, but since joining Team IMPACT, we see him engaging with peers more. It’s also helped him get through difficult times because he has that connection with his teammates to lift his spirits.”
And this friendship hasn’t just impacted Liam. The ripple effect has touched the entire Johnson family. “We see a change in our daughter too,” Kaitlin added. “After seeing the players and staff interact with Liam, she’s becoming more empathetic and protective of Liam and advocates for him at school.”
This was Liam’s first season with the team, but it was one that was marked with a lot of change. Even during uncertain times—like coaching changes, team transitions, and many of Liam’s buddies entering the transfer portal—Josh has continued to make it clear that his relationship with Liam is here to stay. “While all of that was going on, Josh reached out to make sure Liam knew no matter what, he would still be there for him. He continued to show up for Liam by coming to dinner with Santa, getting ice cream, and playing at the park,” Kaitlin said.
Off the field, Josh remains a steadfast support for Liam and his family, always making sure they knew he has their backs—not just Liam, but his parents and sister as well. “Liam spent a lot of the season in and out of the hospital, and school has been very difficult for him socially,” Kaitlin said. “Having Josh continue to show up for him through all of that even while dealing with the changes at school has meant the world to Liam, and really our whole family. Our daughter is a better advocate for Liam because she’s seen how Josh and the rest of the team treat him, and I’ve seen pure joy on my son’s face when he realizes he’s getting to see Josh. We’re so thankful for the friendship between them.”
Perhaps most touching and impactful of all is the authenticity of their friendship. “It’s not one-sided and it never feels like it’s a burden,” Kaitlin said. Liam and his family invite Josh to as much as they can, but Josh also reached out often to see when he can hang out with Liam. “Josh meets Liam where he is. If Liam’s having a rough time, Josh will just sit with him for a bit before encouraging him to come back out and play.”
For Liam and Josh, Team IMPACT is more than mentorship, it is the truest kind of friendship. We know the most powerful teams are built around showing up for one another, no matter what; and thanks to Josh Huiet and the Kennesaw State football program, Liam knows exactly what that kind of team looks like.
