TOPICS:
Curry College men’s lacrosse head coach John Carroll recently announced a new team member, signing 11-year-old Sebastien through Team IMPACT.
Sebastien, who was diagnosed with Hunter Syndrome, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Thursday, April 18 inside the Curry College Athletics Lounge. He will participate in many activities with the team including games, practices, and other team events.
View the Signing Day Photo Gallery
"Sebastien's presence at our practices and games has been truly impactful since the day I met him,” said Carroll. “The enthusiasm he brings to our team every time he joins us is contagious. He attacks everything he does with energy and passion. We are excited to make Sebastien an official member of the Curry men's lacrosse family."
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 Sebastien join the Colonels,” said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. “We are proud to work alongside Curry College, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates.”
Sebastien’s presence on the men’s lacrosse team has inspired all, especially senior captain Anthony Lewis. "Welcoming Sebastien to our team has been amazing. Having him and his family attend our practices and games is equally special to our team as it is for him,” he said. “Working with Sebastien and his family reminds our team to take a step back and enjoy the little things in life that we are fortunate enough to have. The time we spend with him puts a smile on his face and that's what it's all about."
Curry College has worked with Team IMPACT for twelve years, matching children across its women’s soccer, men’s soccer, football, women’s basketball, men’s basketball, men’s soccer, men’s hockey, baseball, men’s lacrosse, softball, women’s lacrosse, and women’s volleyball teams.
Athletic Director Vinnie Eruzione has witnessed exponential growth from both Team Impact athletes and Curry students throughout the 12-year partnership. “Life lessons learned by both the Team Impact athletes and our student-athletes cannot be taught in the classroom, and the bonds that are made are everlasting,” he said. “Not only does Curry men’s lacrosse welcome our new Colonel Sebastian with open arms, but so does the entire Athletic Department.”
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 2,300 children with 700+ colleges and universities in 49 states, impacting more than 60,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.