BOSTON – Boston University women's lacrosse head coach Lauren Morton announced a new team member, signing eight-year-old Mikaela Martinez Gregory through Team IMPACT. Today's signing day was sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Hanover.
 
Mikaela, who was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Friday in Eilberg Lounge. She will participate in many activities with the 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. 
 
"We are so excited to officially have Mikaela join our team this year and have her on the sidelines with us this spring as our Team IMPACT match," said Morton. "Every time I see her she brings so much energy and she's so positive and we're really excited to have such a wonderful kid to spend time with."
 
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Mikaela officially join the Terriers," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to partner with Boston University, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates." 
 
Boston University has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 11 years, matching 14 children across its men's and women's basketball, men's and women's lacrosse, women's and men's ice hockey, men's and women's soccer, men's swimming, and women's field hockey teams. 
 
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.