BOSTON – Boston University women's soccer head coach Casey Brown announced a new team member, signing eight-year old Brigid Barden and 10-year old Rori Barden through Team IMPACT. Thank you to South Shore BMW for sponsoring this signing day.
 
Brigid was born with a viral illness called congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus); her and her sister were officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Wednesday (April 17) on Boston University's campus. They 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 Brigid and Rori join the Terriers," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to partner with Boston University, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
 
Boston University has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 12 years, matching 14 children across its women's and men's soccer, women's and men's basketball, women's and men's hockey, women's and men's lacrosse, and men's swimming teams.
 
"We are so thrilled to officially welcome Brigid and Rori to our BU women's soccer team," said Brown. "This is a program built on a pillar of family, so to be able to officially welcome the girls as Terriers here is a day of celebration for us! Brigid and Rori have been amazing additions to our team already as they have truly made us all better. They are a daily inspiration and perspective for our team. Both their presence and personalities energize us and bring such a positive impact to the entire team on and off the field.
 
"It is our absolute honor to have Brigid and Rori officially signed with BU women's soccer. We greatly look forward to all that is ahead with Brigid and Rori as Terriers and the many memories we will forever share."
 
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.