WORCESTER --- Three WPI student-athletes ventured to Boston in July and returned with renewed energy, deeper purpose, and a stronger commitment to making a difference — both on campus and in the lives of children facing serious illnesses.

Women's Soccer standouts Bailey Allmon (Woodbine, MD), Delina Chavez (Glastonbury, CT) and Madisen McLeod (Ledyard, CT), represented the Crimson and Gray at the 2025 Team IMPACT Fellowship Summit, joining more than 180 Fellows from colleges and universities nationwide. Additionally, Allmon and McLeod are member's of the WPI Women's Track & Field program. 

The three serve as Team IMPACT Fellows, leading WPI's newly formed "Team IMPACT on Campus" club and serving as the vital link between the national nonprofit organization and WPI's athletic community.

About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT is a Boston-based nonprofit that matches children living with serious illnesses or disabilities with collegiate sports teams. These relationships help provide critical social-emotional support to the children and their families, while offering student-athletes valuable perspective and connection beyond competition.
At WPI, football and baseball currently have active matches, while three "All-Star" matches — children who have graduated from the program — remain part of the extended Crimson and Gray family.

A Transformative Three Days
The July summit featured leadership workshops, small group discussions, networking sessions, the spirited Team IMPACT Olympics, and guest speakers, giving Fellows the tools to strengthen relationships, improve outreach, and expand awareness on their campuses. For the WPI trio, the event was both eye-opening and affirming.

"The most amazing part of Team IMPACT is seeing the kids gain so much confidence in themselves from having a team around them," said Allmon. "We can give the gift of a team to kids who don't have the same opportunities we do every day, while also learning the power of our sports as student-athletes."
 
Chavez's journey began as a first-year player on the Women's Soccer team, when the program was matched with Carley, a young girl who quickly became part of their team culture.

"Seeing how impactful it was for Carley to have teammates she could turn to, and the sense of belonging she gained, made me want to be more involved," Chavez explained. "Hearing parents share how much Team IMPACT has changed their families reminded me why I show up every day — to compete with purpose."

For McLeod, becoming a Fellow felt like a natural continuation of her high school involvement in Unified Sports and Unified PE.

"I want to change children's lives," McLeod said. "Through Team IMPACT, I can help those with chronic illnesses feel included and give them an escape from their everyday challenges."

Building the Movement at WPI

As Fellows, Allmon, Chavez, and McLeod hope to grow awareness of Team IMPACT on the WPI campus, involve more teams in matches, and foster connections that last well beyond the program's formal timeline.

"We want more people to understand how powerful it is when a child gets to feel like part of a team," Allmon said. "It's something you can't measure — but you can see it in their smiles, their confidence, and the way they light up on the field."

The trio encourages WPI student-athletes, coaches, and staff to learn more about the organization and join in supporting its mission.

For more information about Team IMPACT and how to get involved, visit www.teamimpact.org.