At its core, Team IMPACT is a mission powered by people. People who believe in the power of team, the importance of belonging, and the life-changing impact of connection. People who invest in something bigger than themselves and believe in the ripple effect a program like Team IMPACT can have.
Josh Rebholz is one of those people.
Josh currently serves as the Vice President for Capital Markets at The Dinerstein Companies, a nationally recognized real estate development firm specializing in multi-family and student housing. Before that, he spent more than 20 years working in intercollegiate athletics, most recently as the Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director at UCLA. Josh is a former football student-athlete at Weber State University, so he knows firsthand the impact of being part of a team. And through all that, Josh has been a longtime supporter of Team IMPACT.
Currently serving on both the Team IMPACT West Coast Advisory Board and the Team IMPACT Athletics Advisory Board, Josh helps support Team IMPACT’s mission in his local community and in athletics departments from coast to coast. “My connection to Team IMPACT stems from my background in college athletics and my belief in the power that sports, especially team sports, can have in bringing joy, confidence, and a sense of belonging to kids who truly deserve it,” he said. “Equally as important to the positive impact Team IMPACT has on the children it serves, I believe strongly in the impact that Team IMPACT makes on the student-athletes who have the opportunity to be paired with children facing serious illnesses or disabilities.”
Like many in our community, Josh first learned about Team IMPACT through his network, giving a shoutout to his friend Jason Lublin who first got Team IMPACT on his radar. But what kept him involved was the authenticity of the mission and the lasting relationships formed through the program. “What immediately stood out to me was how genuine and impactful the mission is, connecting children facing serious medical challenges with college teams and giving them an incredible experience to be part of a team, while also allowing student-athletes the chance to make an impact on someone less fortunate,” Josh shared. For Josh, Team IMPACT is about so much more than the big wins—it’s about the deep connection and family that comes through team. “As someone who benefitted tremendously from being part of teams throughout my life, it really resonated with me. Team IMPACT doesn’t just create a moment of happiness; it creates lasting relationships, confidence, and a sense of belonging during incredibly difficult times.”
One part of the Team IMPACT process that really stands out to Josh is watching a relationship grow from the first meeting with the team to Signing Day and then into a bond that lasts a lifetime. “Watching a child meet their team for the first time—seeing the excitement, the smiles, and how immediately they’re embraced—is something that never gets old,” Josh shared. “It’s also just as powerful to see the student-athletes recognize how much perspective and purpose these relationships give them. It truly goes both ways.”
It is through these person-to-person experiences that Josh has really gotten to know the program and love its mission even more. “Team IMPACT is important because it addresses something that often gets overlooked: emotional wellbeing and connection,” he said. “These kids spend so much time in medical environments that it’s easy for them to feel isolated. Team IMPACT gives them something to look forward to, a team that rallies around them, and a reminder that they’re not defined by their illness. That sense of belonging is incredibly powerful.” And that power transcends the field and bleeds into other parts of the lives of all those involved, from the kids, families, and teams to the communities, donors, and staff who bring the mission to life.
“Supporting Team IMPACT means supporting real, tangible impact. You can see the difference it makes on the children, their families, and the student athletes and coaches involved. It’s a mission rooted in empathy, community, and making a positive difference in a young people’s lives.
So why does Josh give?
“I choose to support Team IMPACT because it reminds me what sports are really about: dedication, overcoming adversity, and teamwork,” Josh said. “The organization is thoughtful, well-run, and genuinely committed to the kids and families it serves. I’m proud to be associated with a mission that brings so much positivity into people’s lives. Whether you’re an alum, fan, donor, parent, former student-athlete in high school or college, or simply someone who believes in giving back, Team IMPACT is a chance to support something that truly changes the lives for everyone involved.”
