When Matilda, who goes by Tilly, joined Harvard lacrosse through Team IMPACT in October 2023, it didn’t take long for her to find her place and her people. From day one, she was welcomed not just as a guest on the sidelines, but as a full-fledged teammate; and at the heart of that welcome was Grace Taylor.
Tilly lives with a low-grade glioma spinal cord tumor, and her journey has come with countless challenges. But with the support of the Harvard lacrosse team—and especially Grace—she’s found strength, confidence, and belonging in a space built on teamwork and joy.
From cheering on the sidelines to team events and hugs after practices, Tilly and Grace’s bond was something truly special. And that friendship extends beyond Tilly into the rest of her family too, with her older sister Josephine attending many Harvard events and being welcomed to the team alongside her. “I love watching the girls’ faces light up when they see Grace,” Tilly’s parents, Clare and Josh, shared. “They run over and give her a hug. It is always such a sweet, happy moment.”
But their connection went even deeper. Grace wasn’t just kind and consistent—she understood. Grace had faced her own cancer journey, and that shared experience became a bridge between them, creating a friendship rooted in empathy, strength, and mutual understanding. “Grace has also experienced her own cancer journey and that made their bond so unique and special,” Tilly’s parents said. Because of this, Grace has a unique understanding of what Tilly and her family have been through, and that understanding has grown into a lifelong bond.
As the season unfolded, the bond between Tilly and the team only grew stronger. “The girls know that they have this whole team supporting and loving on them,” her parents reflected. “They feel connected, confident, and comfortable hanging with the team.”
When Team IMPACT opened nominations for Teammate of the Year, Tilly didn’t hesitate—she knew exactly who she wanted to celebrate. The bond she shares with Grace is one-of-a-kind, and this video shows just how much that friendship has meant to her and her family.
Grace stood out every step of the way—not just for what she did, but how she did it. She celebrated her wins and made her feel important, on and off the field. “The girls have a bond with Grace that goes beyond the field,” Clare and Josh said. “Grace will be in their life for a very long time.”
Thanks to Grace Taylor and the Harvard lacrosse team, Tilly isn’t just a fan. She’s a teammate. She’s a friend. And most importantly, she’s part of something bigger: a team that loves her exactly as she is.
