Every week at Team IMPACT, teams welcome new members to their rosters with an official Signing Day celebration. Each child signs a letter of intent, committing to their new teammates and becoming an officially signed member of the team. When a team welcomes a Team IMPACT teammate, the student-athletes welcome more than just the child signing on the line—they welcome the entire family. For the Card family, their journey to Team IMPACT has always been a family affair. Earlier this year, the Card family was welcomed into Lewis Athletics when triplets Avery, Natalie, and Riley joined the men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, and cheerleading teams.
Born at only 27 weeks, the thirteen-year-old siblings all live with cerebral palsy. After hearing about Team IMPACT, the triplets’ mom Katrena thought the program would benefit her son Avery, whose CP affects his life most severely. But after applying for the program and speaking with Team IMPACT staff, she realized the program could benefit all three of her children. Team IMPACT wasn’t just for Avery—Team IMPACT was for the whole family.
Avery was matched first with the Lewis University men’s lacrosse team in December of 2022. “Having Avery join our team has been such a blessing for our program,” said Lewis men’s lacrosse head coach Joe Perruzzi. “He consistently reminds us what it takes to be tough and to be resilient, regardless of the circumstances. He has taught our program that despite the adversity you face, you are always in control of your attitude, and we see that every time we see Avery and that big smile on his face. He has made our team more caring, more thoughtful, and more appreciative to have a great teammate like Avery!”
After seeing the immediate impact this program had on her brother, Natalie found her team next and joined women’s lacrosse in January of 2023. Not long after, Riley joined the cheerleading team, and all three triplets found a new family in the Lewis Flyers.
“It means a lot to Lewis to have three amazing young people join our teams,” said Marissa Strelczyk, a student-athlete on the cheer team. “They bring such a positive atmosphere to the community, and their energy is infectious.”
Right away, the three siblings bonded with their new teammates. Each relationship was unique, but they each brought a new comfort and support to Avery, Natalie, and Riley. One of Avery’s favorite memories is when his teammates came to surprise him at his school, spending the day with him and his classmates. “I love the guys including me,” Avery said. “They sent me video messaged when I was in the hospital, have come to my house to hang out…just being part of the team. I wasn’t excited about lacrosse, but then I met the guys and it changed everything.”
Natalie remembers a time when her teammates won their last game of the season and she stormed the field with them to celebrate. Just as she supports them, her teammates support her in all she does, attending her basketball games and coming over to her house to hang out in their free time. “Natalie is someone who brings incredible energy and enthusiasm, and her presence on our teams reinforces the sense of community and teamwork,” said Dani Winterlik, a student-athlete on the women’s lacrosse team. “Something that is so special to us is having Natalie at our games cheering us on and keeping our spirits up even when the games could be stressful. We’re excited to see how Natalie will grow with us and contribute to our team.” Similarly, her sister Riley just loves spending time with her cheer team, going to games and cheering on the sideline. Even though the Card triplets each have a team of their own, their Signing Day was a moment they wanted to share together.
Avery, Natalie, and Riley wanted to include each other—and their entire community—in their big day. Team IMPACT and Lewis Athletics collaborated with the triplets’ middle school to host the event, emphasizing the community of support the triplets have surrounding them. When Avery, Natalie, and Riley signed their letters of intent, they did so in front of not only family and teammates but all their friends and classmates as well. All three triplets now remember this day as one of their favorites—and it is also a day Lewis Athletics will never forget.
“Signing Day was really special for everyone at Lewis University Athletics because it gave us a chance to reflect on how big of an impact we are making in the community and how big of an impact each of the triplets have made in their respective programs,” said Joe Perruzzi. “Hearing Katrena talk about how much of an impact we have made in her family was truly touching and honoring for all of our programs here at Lewis.” Student-athletes from all three teams came together to celebrate their new teammates and spend time with them at their school. “Signing Day was so special for Lewis Athletics because it gave us an opportunity to support not only the triplets but also other members of the Lewis community,” Marissa Strelczyk said. “It was wonderful to see women’s lacrosse, men’s lacrosse, and cheer come together to form a new bond with each other and the triplets.”
This special day and the relationships that have formed since the triplets joined Lewis Athletics are the embodiment of strength in team. “This Signing Day was special because it symbolized more than just sports,” Dani Winterlik said, “it was about bringing people together and creating lasting bonds.”