PHILADELPHIA – On Sunday night, the University of Pennsylvania sprint football team signed the newest member of their program, bringing on nine-year-old Frankie LaSasso through Team IMPACT, officially announced by William R. Wagner Head Coach of Sprint Football Jerry McConnell.
 
Team IMPACT is a Boston-based nonprofit "whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing serious and chronic illnesses through the power of team." It is a two-year therapeutic program that helps the new teammates experience improved and increased resilience, empowerment, and sense of belonging.
 
Frankie lives with his family in Hammonton, N.J. He was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Frankie is a superstar athlete in football and baseball, two of his favorite sports. He also enjoys cheering on Philadelphia sports teams.
 
"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Frankie to the Sprint Football Family," said McConnell. "He's a tough kid with an incredible passion for the game and we look forward to having Frankie and his family at Franklin Field this fall!"
 
Frankie officially signed his national letter of intent to join the Quakers Sunday night alongside his family, Coach McConnell and the Penn sprint football team, who with Frankie, are now more than ready to start preparations for the upcoming 2023 season.
   

We couldn't be more excited to welcome Frankie LaSasso, our newest member of the @PennSprintFB family, through @GoTeamIMPACT! Welcome to Penn, Frankie!

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— Penn Sprint Football (@PennSprintFB) February 27, 2023