WORCESTER, Mass. — Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit that connects children living with serious illnesses and disabilities to college athletic teams, has officially partnered with the College of the Holy Cross. As part of this multi-year partnership, Holy Cross Athletics and Team IMPACT will collaborate to provide life-changing experiences for children and their families, while deepening connections between student-athletes and the broader Worcester community.
As of 2025, Holy Cross has welcomed 25 children onto its athletic teams through Team IMPACT, with eight active matches currently underway. The College has consistently stood out as a dedicated champion of Team IMPACT's mission, offering outstanding support to the children and families who have become an integral part of its athletic community.
"This partnership with Team IMPACT reflects our mission at Holy Cross to not only develop student-athletes on the field, but also to instill in them the values of service, compassion, and community engagement," said Holy Cross Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes. "Our student-athletes gain as much from these relationships as the children do, and we are proud to formalize this connection."
Team IMPACT New England Regional Executive Director of Programs Maura Ambrose added, "We are thrilled to officially partner with Holy Cross, an institution that shares our belief in the power of sports to build resilience, foster belonging, and bring joy to children and families. Together, we will create life-changing experiences for both the kids we serve and the Crusader student-athletes who welcome them into their teams."
The partnership was first announced during Holy Cross' football game on Sept. 13.
Holy Cross joins a growing network of colleges and universities nationwide committed to leveraging athletics as a force for good in partnership with Team IMPACT. Through shared storytelling, campus activations, and community engagement, the two organizations will continue to explore new ways to expand their impact in Worcester and beyond.
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 more than 4,000 children with 800+ colleges and universities in 50 states, impacting more than 95,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
About College of the Holy Cross:
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., is among the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,200 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.
