NCAA and Team IMPACT Expand Partnership to Inspire Children and Student-Athletes

The NCAA has announced an expanded collaboration with Team IMPACT, the national nonprofit that pairs children facing serious illnesses or disabilities with college sports teams. The partnership is designed to foster lasting connections, empowering both children and student-athletes while promoting resilience, community, and a sense of belonging.

Through this collaboration, Team IMPACT’s life-changing model will reach more families and student-athletes across all three NCAA divisions. Children will have the opportunity to be matched with college teams at championship events, enhancing their emotional well-being, while student-athletes gain valuable experiences in leadership, empathy, and civic engagement.

A Personalized Approach

Team IMPACT builds its program on a clinical foundation, crafting individualized game plans for each child that support therapeutic goals and social-emotional development. Student-athletes are equipped with training and resources to guide their interactions, ensuring meaningful and safe engagement. The expanded partnership with the NCAA aims to bring these benefits to a broader audience, creating connections that offer hope, strength, and inspiration for all involved.

“This collaboration reflects the very best of college sports — using athletics and community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, their families, and student-athletes,” said NCAA President Charlie Baker. “Student-athletes are learning about empathy, civic duty, and a different type of resilience while giving back in their communities. We are proud to support this mission and bring it to more teams across the country.”

Krissie Kelleher, CEO of Team IMPACT, added, “Working with the NCAA validates our model and helps us reach more families who need hope and connection. Together, we’re giving student-athletes a profound purpose beyond the game and helping every child facing serious health challenges feel part of a team.”

Strengthening Community Through Athletics

The NCAA community engagement unit will coordinate efforts alongside Team IMPACT, ensuring that initiatives align with the goals of both organizations. Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education, and community engagement, said, “This partnership will create meaningful, life-changing experiences for children and student-athletes at NCAA championships and events. We’re committed to supporting student-athletes as they develop as leaders and role models on their campuses and in their communities.”

With over 1,100 NCAA teams currently partnered with Team IMPACT, the initiative already has a wide reach. Surveys of participating student-athletes indicate that involvement positively affects their mental health and overall well-being—a key focus as awareness of mental health continues to grow within collegiate athletics.

Since its founding in 2011, Team IMPACT has facilitated more than 4,000 matches across 800 colleges and universities. Previously partnering with individual schools, this new collaboration marks a significant expansion, enabling programs across all NCAA divisions to foster supportive team environments. Starting in the 2025–26 academic year, coordinated initiatives and engagement strategies will further broaden the program’s impact, creating opportunities for families and collegiate communities nationwide.

Through this expanded partnership, NCAA student-athletes and children facing serious illnesses gain more than interaction—they gain a shared journey of resilience, growth, and hope.