For Serena and Bella, Team IMPACT brought them together, but it was Bella’s ability to make Serena feel seen and supported that set their friendship apart. Serena, who is 10 years old, lives with cerebral palsy and other diagnoses. She was matched with the BU women’s basketball program in 2025, and that is where she met Bella McLaughlin.
Since being matched at BU, Serena has embraced every opportunity to become a part of the team, attending games, meals, team bonding events, and even the Team IMPACT Gala. Throughout her journey and through it all, Serena had Bella by her side.
“Bella goes out of her way to make Serena feel acknowledged and included,” Serena’s mom, Ashley, shared. “She helps Serena in a lot of different ways to feel seen, safe, and part of the team. We are so grateful for her leadership, presence, and most importantly her friendship.”
For Serena, there are many reasons why Bella’s friendship means so much.
“There are three reasons why I would like to nominate Bella,” Serena said. “The first reason is that we have had a lot of hangouts together.”
The pair has spent time outside of basketball with each other including attending a Connecticut Sun game, sharing meals of pizza and ice cream, and attending BU Women’s Hockey games. Most importantly, Bella and her teammates show up. Serena explained how the team celebrated her accomplishments at her school’s Special Olympics, and how excited that made her when they cheered her on. Serena even gifted Bella her very own Hello Kitty BFF heart necklace.
“The second reason is that Bella helped me walk up the stairs,” Serena explained. “Because I am in a wheelchair, every time I go up the stairs, I am a little nervous. Her helping me has made me feel safe.”
Bella always Serena’s back and helps push her out of her comfort zone, knowing she’ll be supported every step of the way. Ashley has seen changes in the way Serena approaches her appointments. Serena is in an outpatient program for OCD and anxiety and recently had to interview someone who has anxiety. She interviewed Bella. Ashley said it was so insightful and empowering for Serena to see someone she looks up to so much who also has anxiety. “Serena and Bella are really comfortable talking to each other about their anxiety, and Serena really looks at Bella as a role model for how to manage anxiety,” Ashley said. “They check in with each other regularly to see how the other is doing and share their victories with one another. It’s awesome to see!” With every interaction, Bella is helping teach Serena more than the game of basketball.
These moments may seem small, but they show the depth of the pair’s relationship. Bella ensures Serena never has to navigate potentially difficult moments alone.
“The third reason is that Bella always high-fived me throughout the game,” Serena said. “This makes me feel happy and energetic.”
These little moments have built into the heart of Serena’s experience with the team. Through Team IMPACT, Serena has found a home at BU with friends that will last a lifetime.
Their friendship is rooted in kindness, trust, and inclusion. Through all the little moments and acts of support Bella has shown Serena what it is like to feel seen, safe, and valued as a member of the Terrier family.
