University of Hartford head coach Aaron Toomey announced a new team member, signing 15-year-old Achille Sambugaro through Team IMPACT.
 
Sambugaro, diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Saturday, April 13 in the men's basketball locker room. He will participate in many activities with the team including games, practices, and other team events.
 
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
 
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Achille join the Hawks," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside the University of Hartford, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
 
The University of Hartford has worked with Team IMPACT for a number of years, matching children with women's basketball, men's basketball, and baseball.
 
"We are so excited to add Achille to our program for the next couple of years," said Toomey. "His energy and excitement are infectious, and he will bring so much joy to our entire team day in and day out. I can't wait to continue to integrate him into our program and see the impact that he can have for us!" 
 
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disability onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched over 3,000 children with 700+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 75,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.