Women’s Ice Hockey Signs Avery Ricupero Through Team Impact
October 16, 2024 | Women's Ice Hockey, Community Service
BOSTON – Boston University women's ice hockey head coach Tara Watchorn announced a new team member, signing seven-year-old Avery Ricupero through Team IMPACT.
Avery, who had a stroke in utero resulting in left-sided weakness, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Oct. 12. 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.
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Avery 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 12 years, matching 15 children across its women's and men's hockey, women's and men's basketball, women's and men's soccer, women's and men's lacrosse and men's swimming teams.
"A big thing on our team has been figuring out our 'why' and having someone like Avery to join us reminds us of that every day," said Watchorn. "Our 'why' is so much bigger than hockey and we have the opportunity to get to be with each other every day, make each other better and make our community better."
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.
Avery, who had a stroke in utero resulting in left-sided weakness, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Oct. 12. 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.
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Avery 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 12 years, matching 15 children across its women's and men's hockey, women's and men's basketball, women's and men's soccer, women's and men's lacrosse and men's swimming teams.
"A big thing on our team has been figuring out our 'why' and having someone like Avery to join us reminds us of that every day," said Watchorn. "Our 'why' is so much bigger than hockey and we have the opportunity to get to be with each other every day, make each other better and make our community better."
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.
Rhett's Holiday Card - Boston University Athletics Holiday Video 2025
Tuesday, December 16
Boston University Athletics - 2025 Holiday Reading Program
Saturday, December 13
Highlights: Women's Ice Hockey vs. UConn (12/6/25)
Sunday, December 07
Highlights: Women's Ice Hockey vs. Providence (11/21/25)
Saturday, November 22
