Each year, athletics departments across the country wrap up their academic year and kick off summer with an end-of-year sports banquet and awards ceremony recognizing the incredible work their student-athletes are doing outside of their sport. This year, Team IMPACT Fellows from coast to coast earned awards for being more than an athlete through their work with Team IMPACT.
Anthony Pecorella, a former University of Maryland football player and current Stony Brook University football player, recently won the Seawolves’ Dave Alexander Courage Award for his resilience and strength in his advocating for Team IMPACT, mental health awareness, and other children and student-athletes all while enduring his own cancer battle. “Team IMPACT has shown me we all have a purpose in this world, and that is to make our little sections of the world a better place. In doing that, we can make the world a better place,” Anthony said. “The Fellowship program consists of student-athletes from all across the country, and each of us strives to do what’s best for our schools and regions so that our organization can be the best it can be. We are ALL IN to making our small pieces of the world better to make this world an even better place for all!”
Three Team IMPACT Fellows—Dorrit Eisenbeis (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill field hockey), Gracie Bolick (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill track and field), and Ryleigh Katstra (Duke University rowing)—were named for the ACC Top 6 for Service Award. “Seeing all the UNC athletes unify has inspired me to keep pouring my heart into Team IMPACT. The Fellowship program and Team IMPACT staff provide amazing support, allowing for amazing relationships with them,” Gracie said. “Having this team support me so I can give back to others is one of the most valuable things I have experienced. Team IMPACT has shown me how serving others develops a sense of belonging for everyone involved.”
Ryleigh added, “Team IMPACT allowed me to help children to fall in love with sports, and I was able to connect with other student-athletes and students at Duke and nationwide. I know that I’m going to remember the Signing Days, time spent at Duke Children’s with our matches, and seeing our matches at practices and games when I look back at my time at Duke, all of which were some of the best parts of my college career.”
Sam Kirkpatrick, a Fellow on the Belmont University baseball team, was the winner of the Rich Tiner Altruism Award, while Malek Sabri from Merrimack College football took home the David R. Rafferty III Memorial Award. “Team IMPACT and the Team IMPACT Fellowship program have profoundly influenced my attitude toward service,” Malek said. “Being a part of this program allowed me to connect with children facing serious illnesses and disabilities, showing me the power of community and support. Through these interactions, I learned the importance of empathy, resilience, and the impact of making a difference in someone’s life. This experience has inspired me to integrate service into my daily life and future career, continually striving to support and uplift those around me.”
University of Minnesota Gymnastics’ Sarah Moraw was awarded the Mariam Award and the PNC Achiever Award, and Sophia LeBlanc was named Female Athlete of the Year for her successes with Springfield College gymnastics. “Seeing college athletes like me come together for something bigger than themselves was so inspiring and gave me hope for a better future,” Sarah said. “To be a part of a sport that has granted me so many amazing opportunities, friendships, and life skills, I wanted more kids to experience it, and Team IMPACT does just that.” “Team IMPACT and the Team IMPACT Fellowship strive to help others and the community,” Sophia added. “Being involved with Team IMPACT only grew my admiration and support towards helping others and service. Seeing how Team IMPACT works first hand helped develop my passion towards helping children and others in need.”
Taylor Wildes, a member of the American International College field hockey team, proudly claimed the Robert Burke Athletic Director’s Award. “Being involved in the Team IMPACT program showed me that there are always things you can do that are bigger than yourself. I was inspired to help be a part of giving kids amazing experiences through Team IMPACT which made me become more driven in doing acts of service to help others,” Taylor said. “By being surrounded by so many other like-minded individuals through the Fellowship program, I was constantly inspired as I saw all the amazing things other members of the Fellowship program were doing for Team IMPACT and their communities.”
Thank you to all our award-winning Fellows, and congratulations for your continued work to be All In for Team IMPACT!