Zoe is a big fan of Barney. She loves to smile. She also loves to swim.
These are some of the first things that come to mind when Zoe’s teammates on the Columbia swim and dive team think of her. “Zoe is an incredible source of positivity, encouragement, and inspiration for us as athletes,” said Aastha Mehta, a Team IMPACT Fellow and senior on the Columbia swim and dive team. “She’s taught us to appreciate the little moments, find joy during challenges, and is an uplifting force always cheering us on during meets. Since Zoe has joined our team, we’ve become more unified and her presence has reminded us that our roles as teammates are also about uplifting, supporting, and meeting each other with empathy on the day-to-day.”
Just as Zoe has uplifted and supported her teammates, they look to do the same for her. As women in sports, Aastha and her teammates hope to also serve as role models for Zoe, providing an additional layer of encouragement, support, and sense of belonging to build her confidence. “Through our swim lessons and bonding activities, we’ve created a positive and empowering environment where she feels celebrated—whether it’s getting accustomed to pool at the beginning of our lessons, listening to her favorite Barney tunes on the deck, or receiving reassurance after each lap,” Aastha said. “These interactions have inspired her to trust herself and feel confident, both in and out of the water.”
For Zoe’s dad, Hans, these moments stand out as some of their favorites, too. Last week, Zoe and her family went to their first practice of 2025. Typically, Zoe spends an hour socializing with her teammates and getting her swim and dive lessons with their Disney music playing across the pool. Hans said he has noticed Zoe’s excitement grow as they make their way to campus. “Zoe’s face broke unto a wide smile as we turned the corner at 120th and Broadway,” Hans said. “She knew exactly what was going to occur and started clapping. Zoe is autistic and non-verbal, and as a parent, it gave me the greatest joy to see her recognize with anticipation the fact that she was going to meet her team.”
Though Zoe’s favorite moments are often at the pool, Hans recalls a time when Zoe’s teammates supported her in something outside of swimming. One of his proudest moments since Zoe joined the team was when her teammates came to support her at a 5K fundraiser. “Zoe was engaged and excited as she was pushed for 5K in her adaptive stroller around a lake in Central Park,” he said. “One can learn so many lessons from being a team member. The first lesson is just to show up.”
He said some days Zoe is less engaged or having medical issues, but her teammates showing up helps her “bounce back and be happy and engaging.” He hopes Zoe’s positive attitude and spirit of joy teach her teammates resilience and perseverance. “Despite her inability to speak, she is always smiling and joyful around her teammates,” Hans said. “Her room is adorned with pictures and posters created by them as well as photographs. We exchange videos periodically and it has greatly improved Zoe’s self-confidence and overall outlook. The team has been an additional blessing to us as parents as it gives a respite and a wonderful goal to shoot for. We do not feel as alone and trapped in a hamster wheel.”
Being with the team helps not only Zoe but her entire family put aside some of their daily worries and just have fun, surrounded by a group of women who truly care about their daughter. For the team, Zoe and her family provide the athletes with a reminder that the true strength of sports is not the wins and losses but the friendships and community.
“Swimming and being part of Team IMPACT have taught me the importance of resilience, teamwork, and empathy. Combined with the discipline and resilience I’ve gained from the sport, Team IMPACT has reminded me that being an athlete is about more than just performance—it’s about connection and community,” Aastha said. “Being part of Team IMPACT has deepened my appreciation for the power of sports to bring people together and create a sense of belonging.”
For Zoe, her family, and her team, this is the biggest benefit of their time in the program. “Having Zoe on our team highlights the power of community, compassion, and inclusivity in women’s sports,” Aastha said. “She has shown us that women’s sports are about creating empowering spaces where everyone has the ability to be their best and thrive, setting a precedent for future generations.”
And despite what that future may look like, Hans knows it’s brighter with strong women like Zoe’s Columbia swim and dive teammates helping lead the charge. “Women’s sports continue to evolve, but Team IMPACT’s model allows for authenticity that comes from interaction between teammates and their matches,” he said. “This is impactful, priceless, and long lasting.”
