'He just lights up a room': Dylan Schaeffler makes impact for UVM basketball

COLUMBUS, Ohio - He has a seat on the bench for every home game. He has a chair in the team's exclusive locker room. And he breaks down the team huddle during the post-game scrum.

There is no question Dylan Schaeffler is a valued member of this year's University of Vermont men's basketball program. And yet without playing a minute, Schaeffler is a source of inspiration for the Catamounts.

"He just lights up a room. It’s just so neat, cute — whatever you want to say — how over the year our players and staff have developed this relationship with him," UVM coach John Becker said. "He’s sweet kid from a sweet family."

Schaeffler, 10, officially signed with Becker's Catamounts during a news conference in October through Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit organization that has developed a unique program to match children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the nation. UVM and Team IMPACT have teamed up to pair eight children with Catamount teams over the last decade.

"It’s been an incredibly cool experience," Becker said earlier this week before the Catamounts departed for their NCAA Tournament appearance in Columbus, Ohio. "It’s one of those things, he’s impacted us as much as — hopefully — we’ve impacted him."

Links galore:Coverage of UVM basketball teams in the 2023 NCAA Tournament

Vermont players: Schaeffler 'puts smile on our faces'

When Nick Fiorillo was sidelined with an injury for most of the season, the Vermont forward struck up a friendship with Schaeffler as the two sat next to each other on the Catamount bench during home games.

"We can put a smile on his face or he can put a smile on our faces," Fiorillo said. "He’s one of our biggest fans. We are blessed to have him on the team."

Amber Schaeffler, Dylan's mother, said her son and their family won't forget this winter.

"The season has meant so much to us. It’s very heart-warming to see the team embrace Dylan and accept him for who he is," Amber Schaeffler wrote in an email to the Free Press on Thursday. "The players and coaches have all been so welcoming to Dylan and our family." 

Through his mom, Dylan Schaeffler said: "I feel a part of the team. It makes me feel happy when I’m around the team.”

Championship party in America East for Schaeffler

During the America East championship celebration at Patrick Gym last Saturday, guards Finn Sullivan and Robin Duncan each took turns putting Schaeffler on their shoulders and lifting him as fans and players hooted, hollered and danced following the Catamounts' 72-59 win over UMass Lowell. Fiorillo helped Schaeffler cut down a piece of the net.

"Dylan’s been amazing. He’s a little ball of light," Duncan said. "I don’t ever think he’s ever had a bad moment with us. He’s been smiling nonstop and constantly talking."

More:'It's time to get one': UVM men's basketball confident as 15 seed vs. Marquette

The Catamounts have raced into the program's ninth NCAA Tournament appearance with a 15-game winning streak. And they polished off a 13-1 home record with the America East title-game victory. Schaeffler's presence has allowed players to ease their nerves before tip-off.

"Before games, he'll tell me, 'Finn, let’s win this one.' It makes me happy and gets my mind off other stress from the game," Sullivan said.

Schaeffler set to return to team for 2023-24 season

But the Catamounts won't have Schaeffler by their side for Friday's NCAA Tournament game vs. Marquette. The Schaeffler family was unable to travel, but they hope to rejoin the Catamounts should they pull off the upset and play in the second round on Sunday.

"The experience has impacted (Dylan) in a positive way," Amber Schaeffler said. "He feels a part of the team, enjoys the camaraderie, it gives him confidence and makes him happy." 

According to a Team Impact spokesperson, Schaeffler, a fourth-grader at Jericho Elementary School, signed a two-year agreement and will be back with the team next season.

Team IMPACT has matched more than 2,300 children with 700-plus colleges and universities in 49 states since it was founded in 2011. For more information, visit teamimpact.org.

Free Press Staff Writer Alex Abrami is in Ohio for UVM's NCAA Tournament appearance. Follow his coverage of the Catamounts at burlingtonfreepress.com. Contact Abrami or aabrami@freepressmedia.com and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aabrami5.

TV, radio, stream information

Teams: (15) Vermont vs. (2) Marquette

Site: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio

Date: Friday, March 17

Tip-off: 2:45 p.m. eastern (approx.)

TV: CBS (commentators Andrew Catalon and Steve Lappa, sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl)

Stream: March Madness Live (sign-in with TV provider or app).

Radio: The Game (97.1 FM, 960 AM).