WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross men's soccer head coach Marco Koolman has announced two new team members, signing seven-year-old Declan Vail and five-year old Teagan Vail through Team IMPACT. 

Declan, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Thursday, Oct. 12, along with his younger brother Teagan. They will participate in many activities with the men's soccer 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 Declan and Teagan officially join the Crusaders," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside Holy Cross, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."

Holy Cross has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 12 years, matching 26 children across its baseball, football, cheerleading, women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, swim and dive, men's and women's ice hockey, men's and women's lacrosse, and men's and women's track and field teams.  

"We are all really excited to have Declan and Teagan join our men's soccer family," said Holy Cross junior midfielder Liam Coffey. "They both radiate such positivity and show a strong passion for sports. We feel honored to officially welcome them and we can't wait to make more memories in the future."

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. 

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