The Swarthmore College Athletics Department further strengthened its commitment to fostering inclusive team experiences through Team IMPACT by participating in the organization's annual fellowship summit, held recently at Boston University. 

Women's soccer player Liesel Blau ’27 represented the department at the summit, launching Swarthmore's first season in the organization's fellowship program. She is joined by men's soccer player Joseph Eyiolowope ’26, who was also chosen to serve as a fellow.

The Team IMPACT Fellowship Program, launched in August 2018, expanded to 150 campuses across the U.S. in its eighth year. Fellows are selected from a competitive application and interview process. Once selected, they are invited to participate in a new fellow orientation and comprehensive three-day training. 

As fellows, they will represent Team IMPACT on their campuses, and collaborate with the athletic department and greater campus community to raise awareness and increase program participation. In return, the organization provides the student-athletes with opportunities to build their skills in leadership, community engagement, public speaking, and professional development, preparing them to be leaders in the workforce and beyond.

Earlier this month, the summit brought together 300 fellows from across the NCAA to learn, collaborate, and be inspired.  

"We had the opportunity to hear from powerful speakers and participate in collaborative workshops, learning about the power Team IMPACT can have on every athlete and campus," says Blau. "I not only built connections and friendships with other fellows, but I learned about how we can incorporate medical outreach and awareness events into our athletic community at Swarthmore."

Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved. Swarthmore has strengthened its Team IMPACT partnership over the past five years, with six programs currently matched with Team IMPACT athletes. 

The women's soccer, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's lacrosse, baseball, and softball teams all welcomed Team IMPACT athletes to their respective programs. The partnership has allowed student-athletes like Blau to form meaningful relationships, while creating lasting memories with their Team IMPACT teammates. 

Two seasons ago, Blau and the women's soccer team welcomed Eva to their squad as a Team IMPACT athlete. Eva could be seen on the sidelines of every game cheering on the Garnet and celebrating each goal and victory with her teammates.

"As a pre-medical student and student-athlete, Team IMPACT is an organization that aligns very closely with my values and my aspirations to become a pediatric orthopedic surgeon," says Blau. "Eva has been such a special addition to our team, and something I have realized is that she has impacted our lives just as much, if not more, than we have impacted hers. She is my inspiration and motivation, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to help other children and teams experience the growth and connection that we have!"

Swarthmore is committed to increasing its number of Team IMPACT matches, with the ultimate goal of achieving 100-percent participation across all athletic programs. The department sees the partnership as a meaningful avenue for community engagement that also enriches the student-athlete experience.

"Partnering with Team IMPACT has been an essential focus of our community engagement efforts, as we currently have six programs matched with a Team IMPACT athlete," says Chris Irvin, assistant athletic director, finance & community engagement. "Team IMPACT not only helps our students to gain new perspectives and reach their full potential as athletes, but it also enables them to build holistic views as well-rounded human beings."

"I am looking forward to our first year as a part of the Team Impact Fellowship program, and working with Liesel and Joseph," adds Irvin. "Together I am optimistic that we can raise awareness on how merging sport and community can have a positive impact, while also continuing to increase our program participation with Team IMPACT."