STORRS, Conn. – University of Connecticut head men's soccer coach Christopher Gbandi announced a new team member, signing 7-year-old Landon Helibrunn through Team IMPACT.
Landon, who has been diagnosed with Epilepsy, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Friday, April 7th at the Rizza Performance Center. He will participate in many activities over the next two years, 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 Landon officially join the Huskies," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside the University of Connecticut, 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 Connecticut has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 9 years, matching 23 children across its baseball, men's and women's basketball, field hockey, football, men's golf, men's and women's ice hockey, women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, softball, women's swimming, men's and women's tennis, and women's volleyball teams.
"Today was an important day for UConn men's soccer and our program" said Gbandi. "We are excited to welcome Landon who's one of the top 2023 recruits in the country. We are looking forward to having Landon and his family a part of our team and program."
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 2,600 children with 700+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 65,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
