Colorado Lacrosse Add Emma, a Team IMPACT Recruit

BOULDER – Colorado lacrosse partnered with Team IMPACT to sign 12-year-old Emma as a late-season addition to the Buffaloes squad on Friday, April 4.

Emma, who was accompanied by her mom, Marisa, and brother, Brandon, signed her National Letter of Intent with the CU lacrosse team in attendance. Emma is one of 4,000 people to match with Team IMPACT and one of three current campus CU matches.

"We're so excited to have [Emma] officially join our program by signing a National Letter of Intent," head coach Ann Elliott Whidden said at the signing. "At Colorado Lacrosse, we talk a lot about resiliency and having a positive attitude – we feel like those are two things that [she] is going to bring to our program every day. We know that [she] is going to be a great team member that's going to make us better every day on and off the field, and we are so excited for this opportunity to add [her] to our team."

Emma lives with a rare genetic disorder called DLG4-related synaptopathy. She is a fun and smiley kid who has been so resilient throughout her medical journey. She and her family also aim to raise awareness of the DLG4 Genetic Disorder. While there is currently no cure for DLG4-related synaptopathy, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life. The Buffs are excited to welcome Emma onto the team and show her what being part of the CU family is all about.

"I'm so excited for Emma to officially join our team," Team IMPACT Ambassador and CU Lacrosse senior attacker Sam Lipka said. "Even in the short time we've spent with her, she's already brought such a fun and positive energy to the group. It's clear how special she is, and I feel really lucky that we get to welcome her and her family into ours. I'm really looking forward to building a strong connection with her, supporting her in any way we can, and making memories together both on and off the field. I know she's going to be an incredible teammate, and I can't wait to see the impact she'll have on all of us moving forward!"

Colorado is on the road this week to visit Arizona State but will return home next week for three of its last four games. Emma will be in attendance for the Buffs' game against No. 5 Florida. She will be an honorary starter for the Buffs against the Gators as part of the Team IMPACT awareness game. The Team IMPACT game will be on April 12, which will feature an on-field halftime presentation with Emma.

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. It ensures 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 750+ colleges and universities in 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.

What Team IMPACT Means to CU Lacrosse

Sr. A Sam Lipka: "Being part of Team IMPACT has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time as a student-athlete. Emma's energy and smile bring so much joy to our team, and it's been amazing getting to know her. I'm so excited to keep building this connection and to have her as a part of our Buffs family!"

So. D Lola Flynn: "To me, being a part of Team IMPACT has been such a meaningful experience. Although we haven't known Emma long, having her as part of our team and making her smile has been one of the most meaningful parts of being a student-athlete. I'm super excited to grow our relationship these next few years!"

Jr. D Jess Peluso: "To me, Team IMPACT is a reminder that there is so much more to a sport than winning and losing. It's about being part of a team that creates an environment of support and belonging. Being able to have Emma as a part of our team, and having the opportunity to make her laugh is the most memorable thing I've done here at CU. I can't wait to see the great connections we build with Emma, and I know she is going to be the best teammate ever!"

Jr. M Maddie Shoup: "Team IMPACT is a chance to experience something bigger than just myself. It's a chance to connect and create relationships. It gives us a chance to make memories with Emma and be able to put a smile on her face, which is a very fulfilling part of the role. We look forward to growing our relationship with Emma as part of our team!"

So. A Jaimey Hill: "Team IMPACT has been such a special experience for me, to be able to be a part of something that is bigger than the game. Being able to connect with others outside the team and grow our family is amazing, and I think this is the most important aspect of being a student-athlete. Emma has made such a joyful and exciting impression on our team, and we are so so grateful to have her be a part of our family here at CU!!"

Players Mentioned

Lola Flynn

Jaimey Hill

Jess Peluso

Maddie Shoup

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