WORCESTER --- Four WPI student-athletes representing three different varsity programs spent three days in Boston this summer connecting with student-athletes from across the country and strengthening their commitment to the mission of Team IMPACT.

Women's Soccer's Abigail Marsolais, Baseball's Greyson Baldizar, Softball's Stella Kozak and Women's Soccer and Track & Field's Madisen McLeod represented the Crimson and Gray at the Team IMPACT Fellowship Summit, joining more than 150 student-athletes from colleges and universities nationwide.

The Summit brought together Team IMPACT Fellows for three days of education, leadership development and relationship building. WPI's representatives heard from coaches, athletic administrators, NCAA officials, Team IMPACT families and fellow student-athletes while learning new ways to increase the organization's presence and impact on their respective campuses.

For Marsolais, the experience provided both inspiration and ideas she hopes to bring back to Boynton Hill.

"Summit was such a great opportunity to learn more about Team IMPACT and left me with so many new ideas to bring back to our campus to spread awareness," said Marsolais. "Hearing the families share how meaningful Team IMPACT has been in their children's lives was truly inspiring. I'm so grateful for this experience and can't wait to continue working with Team IMPACT and come back next year!"

Kozak similarly pointed to hearing directly from Team IMPACT families as one of the highlights of her experience.

"I had such a great time at Summit, learning a lot about the mission of Team IMPACT and meeting some amazing people," Kozak said. "My favorite part was definitely the family panel because it showed the true impact of this work."

Building Connections Beyond WPI
Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit organization that matches children facing serious illness or disability with college athletic teams, creating long-term relationships designed to provide children with a sense of belonging, empowerment and connection while giving student-athletes an opportunity to make an impact beyond competition.

The organization's Fellowship Program takes that mission a step further by empowering student-athletes already involved with Team IMPACT to serve as representatives on their campuses.

Fellows are selected through a competitive application and interview process before participating in orientation and comprehensive training. Throughout their Fellowship, student-athletes collaborate with their athletic departments and campus communities to increase awareness and participation while developing skills in leadership, community engagement, public speaking and professional development.

For Baldizar, the opportunity to connect with student-athletes pursuing the same mission was among his biggest takeaways from Boston.

"Summit was such a great experience because I got to meet other student-athletes with the same goals I have," Baldizar said. "I learned how to be better in my role as a Fellow and built many new relationships. I can't wait to be back next year!"

McLeod returned to Boston as a second-year Team IMPACT Fellow after representing WPI at the Summit a year ago. Her involvement with the organization has continued to grow through the WPI Women's Soccer program's relationship with its Team IMPACT teammate, Sammy.

"Team IMPACT is an amazing organization that inspires me more and more as I get involved," said McLeod. "I am now a second-year Fellow, and after attending my second Summit, I am excited for the school year and the opportunity to increase awareness on campus for Team IMPACT."

For McLeod, witnessing Sammy's growth has provided a firsthand example of the difference that being part of a college athletic team can make.

"From meeting her the first time when she was shy to now seeing her run up to us when we see her, it is clear how much she has grown," McLeod said. "Sammy inspires me to be the best I can be. She is a ray of sunshine in every room she walks into, and her selflessness is unmatched."

That relationship has further motivated McLeod to help expand Team IMPACT's reach at WPI and beyond.

"I am glad that Team IMPACT gives children with chronic illnesses and disabilities the opportunity to be part of a team," McLeod added. "I have seen firsthand how it impacts the children, and I want more kids to get that experience. I am leaving the Summit ready to increase awareness for Team IMPACT and spread the word about this amazing organization."

Bringing the Mission Back to Boynton Hill
Following three days of learning, networking and hearing firsthand from Team IMPACT families, Marsolais, Baldizar, Kozak and McLeod return to WPI with a shared goal of expanding awareness and involvement throughout the athletic department and greater campus community.

As Team IMPACT Fellows, the group will serve as a connection between the organization and WPI, working alongside student-athletes, coaches and administrators to strengthen existing relationships and create opportunities for more children and teams to experience the program.

For more information about Team IMPACT and its mission, visit Team IMPACT's website.