Teammate of the Year 2026

2026 Teammate of the Year

The relationships between our kids and student-athletes are the backbone of our program—and those friendships deserve to be recognized.

Vote for Your 2026 Teammate of the Year!

Meet The Finalists

We received dozens of incredible nominations from across the country and are proud to announce this year’s finalists for Teammate of the Year!

Congratulations to

Cory and Sarah, Bentley Swim & Dive
Jenni Anne and Berkeley, Georgia Tech Cheer
Kara and Johanna, Weber State Cheer
Liam and Blake, Miami Ohio Hockey
Raegan and Emmy, Winthrop Softball

Watch the videos, read the testimonials, and meet your 2026 Teammate of the Year Finalists. Click each video to read more about each match, and vote for your favorite now through March 8 to help the Team IMPACT community choose our winner.

“Cory is nominating Sarah Griffith of Bentley University Swim and Dive team, recognizing her positivity, dedication and overall awesomeness! She always includes me. She came to visit me and cheered me up when I broke my arm. She takes me swimming and helps me cheer for the team. She takes me to special events. I love her so much! She is my side chick! The best friend ever!”

“As a parent of a child with additional needs, it means the world to see your child not only accepted, but genuinely loved and understood. Watching the special bond between Jenni Anne and Berkeley has been such a gift, and it’s hard to put into words just how meaningful it is. When Jenni Anne is with Berkeley and the team, we get to watch her be a ‘normal’ teen. For just a little bit, the hard has disappeared and she just gets to be Jenni Anne, a normal teenage girl laughing with her friends. Berkeley has made it possible for us as parents to see Jenni Anne truly have a best friend, and that is the greatest gift.“

“Johanna is an international student. She came from Germany to compete with Weber State, and from day one of Kara coming to practice, she has embraced her wholeheartedly. She is the first to check in when Kara has appointments and scans and we are so grateful to have her show Kara so much love and care. She never leaves out my son either. She loves being with our family and will happily play with Grayson too. She has cheered Kara on at her lacrosse games and been there for Karas special occasions too. We love Johanna!“

“Blake makes Liam feel seen, loved, and a part of the team. He supports Liam in his medical journey, he cheers Liam on when he’s doing other events in his life, and he takes the time to truly see how Liam is feeling about things. He makes eye contact and gives Liam his full attention when they are together. Not because he has to, but because he wants to. From a parent standpoint, you want your children have friends like Blake. Selfless and kind, ready to be there to lead the way. Blake is more like family to Liam. Through this journey with Blake, Liam has found his voice, his ability to be more open and comfortable with letting others in his life, and Blake has shown Liam what it truly means and looks like to be a friend. The world could use more Blake Mesenburgs in it.“

“Emmy Cardenas is truly sunshine in human form. As a parent, I am beyond grateful for the relationship that Raegan and Emmy have cultivated over the past year through Team IMPACT. Emmy is patient, kind, caring, thoughtful, relatable, understanding, and most importantly, ever-present. She has given of her time both on and off the field, and Raegan loves and appreciates her fiercely. She’s grown in confidence and has learned how to be a great teammate and even better friend.”