For Pierce, joining Team IMPACT gave him more than an in with the BU soccer team. It gave him a new family, a squad of brothers, a support system that grows more and more with each interaction. It gave him new experiences, a budding confidence, fun with his favorite people, and memories to last a lifetime. For Pierce, most notably, it gave him Aidan.
“Aidan has been a constant presence and support person for Pierce. He is so selflessly present in our lives. He shows up when it really matters,” said Jill, Pierce’s mom. When Pierce’s family lost their dog of 10 years, it was Aidan and his family who sent a care package with stuffed animals for both Pierce and his sister Peyton. When Pierce has appointments, it’s Aidan who checks in to see how they went. When Pierce has life events and big moments, it’s Aidan who makes sure if he can’t be there, someone from the team can. “Aidan always shows up for Pierce,” Jill said. “It’s not always easy to physically be together, but Aidan doesn’t let that stop their friendship from continuing, whether it is a post card from Europe, FaceTiming a Braille lesson, his family sending a care package when we were grieving the loss of a pet, rounding up the team for an outing to Top Golf, or showing up for Pierce’s track banquet. Aidan is always the beacon we can rely on to ensure the Team IMPACT relationship is what is expected—and more.”
With Aidan’s guidance and friendship, Pierce has gotten way more than he ever expected from his Team IMPACT experience. His most memorable moment with the team was winning the Patriot League Championship and rushing the field with his team to celebrate. But Jill’s most memorable moments have nothing to do with the team’s success on the field. “My favorite moments are the ones where we are reminded that we don’t have to do any of this alone—that Pierce and our family have an entire support system behind us. Aidan’s family has been all of that for us,” she said. “Laura (Aidan’s mom) and I chat regularly; Peyton (Pierce’s sister) doesn’t leave Lexi’s (Aidan’s girlfriend) side during games; Kellan (Aidan’s brother and member of the Drexel rowing team) is encouraging Pierce to take up rowing, a vision-safe sport for him; Nathan (Aidan’s dad) was there to provide advice when a family member was seeking medical treatment. Our lives are better because of Aidan and his family.”
“My favorite thing about their bond is how effortless it is for both of them,” Jill said. “Aidan is so quietly supportive of Pierce and our family. He shows up when it counts and without fanfare. During team events, he usually takes a step back and allows Pierce to interact with other teammates but always has a pulse on where he is.” Throughout Pierce’s time with the team, Jill has taken hundreds of photos. One of her favorites features Aidan proudly looking on from the background as Pierce celebrates the championship win with his team. “Aidan’s reliability to be a part of all of the moments—big, small, celebratory, grief-stricken—has provided Pierce with a confidence that he doesn’t need to be anything but himself,” Jill said, “and as a parent, there is nothing more comforting than that.”
The confidence Pierce gained with Aidan and BU soccer allowed him to find his voice and advocate for himself in every aspect of his life. In the classroom, at the doctor’s office, and on the soccer field, Pierce uses this confidence to voice his opinions, ask for what he wants, and stand up for himself. This past spring, he mustered up the courage to ask BU head soccer coach Kevin Nylen if he could be a ball boy for some home games. “As always, coach delivered,” Jill said. “Pierce was SO proud to be on the field, by the guys, shagging balls for them. He has also been able to dream of a career in sports outside of being the athlete on the field.” Though Pierce is only 10 years old, he offers Coach Nylen and his teammates advice and feedback after games and training sessions. He’s befriended BU students working in the athletic department, photography and videography teams, and equipment managers so he can learn everything he can about sports. He talks about having a job just like Justin Panarese, BU’s Senior Associate Athletic Director, when he grows up. He has even mapped out the ways he’ll stay connected with Team IMPACT throughout the rest of his life. “With everything he’s learned along the way, and the confidence Team IMPACT has provided, he’s talked about living through every stage of the Team IMPACT life cycle, as matched kiddo, then a student-athlete, Fellow, and employee,” Jill said.
