As we wrap up the school year and head into summer, athletics departments across the country are celebrating with end-of-year banquets. At these celebrations, athletes from all over are recognized and honored for their work outside of sport. Nine of those athletes also have the distinct recognition of being Team IMPACT Fellows.
Cam Golden, a graduate student and offensive lineman on the Kent State football team, was recently named Mr. Golden Flash, an award that recognizes a Kent State student-athlete who has shown remarkable dedication to personal growth and team leadership, creating positive change, and representing the university. Cam and his teammates have been matched with 10-year-old Kingston since March of 2022. Kingston lives with a genetic condition called Stickler syndrome and Pierre Robin sequence, and through Kingston’s time with the Golden Flashes, Cam was inspired to get more involved with Team IMPACT. Cam’s leadership, dedication, and work to create positive change both on his campus and in his community exemplify what it means to be Mr. Golden Flash.
Stonehill College senior defender and Team IMPACT Fellow Cam Mannion earned awards of his own throughout his time with the Skyhawks. In January, Cam was announced as one of 14 national nominees for the 2025 Hockey Humanitarian Award by the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation. This awards season, Cam earned the Father John McCarthy Leadership Award. Cam’s Team IMPACT teammate Tomas has been a member of the team since June of last year, and it did not take long for Tomas and Team IMPACT to have a huge impact on Cam and his collegiate athletic experience, which Cam credits with being a motivator to do good, both on and off the ice. “Receiving this award is such an honor and I’m so proud,” Cam said, “but what is even more rewarding is seeing my fellow student athletes get involved. Leadership is about a shared commitment to something bigger than yourself, and Stonehill has a shared commitment to making our community a better place. I’m humbled to receive this award on behalf of my team. It is a testament to our team’s commitment to building our community up through our partnership with Team IMPACT.”
Elani Gikas, a senior on the Saint Michael’s soccer team, was recently named a recipient of the Diane C. Foster ’77 Award. This award is presented to student-athletes who exemplify by their actions, true compassion, sacrifice and service to others. It was first awarded in 2001 to honor the memory of Foster, a former dual-sport Saint Michael’s student-athlete who died in 1998 at the age of 44. Elani is not only a student-athlete and Team IMPACT Fellow but also serves as the Class of 2025 vice president and SAAC secretary, is on the Saint Michael’s Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, and has been named a two-time NE10 Academic Honor Roll qualifier. She also works as an admission tour guide on campus and was a dual athlete at St. Mike’s, playing a semester on the women’s tennis team. During her time at St. Mike’s, Elani’s team was matched with Mariella, a 13-year-old who lives with kidney disease.
Ella Shapiro, a junior midfielder on the soccer team at the University of South Florida, was named the Individual Community Service Award winner at Stampede, USF’s Athletic Department’s award ceremony. Ella credits the Team IMPACT Fellowship program and her community service work at USF for making her a more empathetic person and wanting to do her part to make each space she enters more inclusive and accepting. “Winning the Community Impact Award my senior year means everything to me,” Ella said. “USF gave me so many amazing opportunities to volunteer, and I am so grateful for the chance to leave an impact on the place I called home for the last few years. Giving back to the community has become such a big part of my life and I truly enjoy sharing those moments with my fellow athletes and hope to continue doing my part to make the world a better place!”
Stonehill softball senior Emily Nardelli, whose team was matched with 9-year-old Maggie during her time at Stonehill, calls Maggie “the perfect match.” Emily was recently awarded the Jack McCarthy Leadership Award and the Ken LeGrice Community Service Award for commitment to service on and off the field and strength of character. Kaelyn Figuras, a Flagler lacrosse player, got connected to Team IMPACT through the Fellowship program and her team’s match with seven-year-old Hope. Kaelyn was named the winner of Flagler’s Golden Saint Award for leadership and commitment in academics, athletics, and the community. Dancer and Team IMPACT Fellow Sophia Meguid took home multiple awards at Michigan’s end-of-year award ceremony, including All-Big Ten First Team, All-Big Ten Community Service Winner, and All-Academic. Sophia and her Wolverines teammates have been matched with now-18-year-old Vara since October of 2022 and have watched her grow through the program and her graduation from Team IMPACT. Eyleen Dias, a women’s volleyball player and graduate student at Southern New Hampshire University, wrapped up her school year with multiple awards, taking home the 2025 Most Outstanding Graduate Student Award and 2025 Distinguished Graduate Dean’s Scholar Award, presenting to the most outstanding graduate student within the School of Business.
Lastly, Stony Brook football kicker Anthony Pecorella took home the CAA John H. Randolph Inspiration Award, which recognizes individuals who through strength of character and human spirit serve as an inspiration to all to maximize their potential and ability for success. Anthony, who began his collegiate career at the University of Maryland, was matched with a young man named Cal, who first inspired Anthony to get more involved in work with Team IMPACT. After transferring to Stony Brook University, Anthony spearheaded the Seawolves’ match with 13-year-old Milo, who lives with spina bifida. Shortly after transferring, Anthony experienced his own medical journey when he was diagnosed with cancer. Now cancer-free, Anthony will play his next year of football at the University of Maine, where he plans to bring his passion for Team IMPACT and where he will undoubtedly continue to inspire and make positive change.
At Team IMPACT, we are continually inspired by the dedication and heart our student-athletes bring to their communities. Their commitment to service goes far beyond the field, reflecting the true spirit of teamwork, compassion, and leadership. We are proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals who not only strive for excellence in their sport but also create meaningful change in the lives of others. Their impact is lasting, and their example reminds us all of the power of using our platform for good.
Congratulations to Cam Golden, Cam Mannion, Elani Gikas, Ella Shapiro, Emily Nardelli, Kaelyn Figuras, Sophia Meguid, Eyleen Dias, Anthony Pecorella, and all our student-athletes and Fellows who continue to be the IMPACT, on the field, across their campuses, and in their communities.
