At Team IMPACT, we believe in the power of friendships to transform lives, build confidence, and remind us all what it means to be part of something bigger. This year, that spirit shines especially bright through the relationship between Raegan and Emmy, a friendship that exemplifies everything our mission stands for and personifies what it means to be a teammate.
Raegan is an 11-year-old who lives with congenital nystagmus and auditory neuropathy. She’s resilient, spirited, and full of heart. Through Team IMPACT, she was matched with the Winthrop University softball team, where she met teammates that quickly became friends. The friendship with one of those teammates, Emmy Cardenas, quickly turned into more of a sisterhood—one that landed Emmy with the title of 2026 Team IMPACT Teammate of the Year.
From the very beginning, Emmy showed up—not just as a teammate, but as a constant source of encouragement, kindness, and joy. “Emmy Cardenas is truly sunshine in human form,” Raegan’s mom, Eryn, said. “As a parent, I am beyond grateful for the relationship that Raegan and Emmy have cultivated over the past year through Team IMPACT. Emmy is patient, kind, caring, thoughtful, relatable, understanding, and most importantly, ever-present. There is no doubt in our minds that Emmy Cardenas IS Team Impact’s Teammate of the Year!”
Raegan seconded that statement, saying, Emmy is the kindest and happiest person you will ever meet. If sunshine was a person, it would be Emmy, for real!” For Raegan, Teammate of the Year isn’t a strong enough sentiment to what Emmy means to her. “Emmy should be Teammate of the Century, if you ask me! But I’m not the one who got to name the award,” she said.
Emmy didn’t just welcome Raegan onto the roster—she embraced her fully, making sure she felt seen, valued, and included every step of the way. Whether it’s time spent at practices, moments shared off the field, or simply being a steady, supportive presence, Emmy has helped Raegan grow not only as a teammate, but as a confident young person who knows she belongs. “Raegan has grown in confidence and has learned how to be a great teammate and even better friend,” Raegan’s mom, Eryn, said. “Being matched with Winthrop Softball has been an incredible experience for Raegan.”
And Raegan’s impact has been just as powerful. Her joy, determination, and love for the game have left a lasting mark on the Winthrop softball program. Raegan is the team’s biggest supporter, celebrating every win, softening every loss, and handing out her signature “Home Run Necklace” for every big hit. Together, Raegan, Emmy, and the entire Winthrop softball team have created a bond rooted in trust, laughter, acceptance, and love.
Which is what friendship—and Team IMPACT—are all about.
Congratulations to Emmy and Raegan on being named Team IMPACT’s 2026 Teammate of the Year!
