STORRS, Conn. – University of Connecticut head softball coach Laura Valentino announced a new team member, signing 8 year-old Avery Armstrong through Team IMPACT.

Avery, who has Down Syndrome and a heart condition, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Wednesday, October 23 at the Rizza Performance Center. 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 Huskies," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work with UConn, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."

The University of Connecticut has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 10 years, matching 26 children across its baseball, men's and women's basketball, field hockey, football, men's golf, men's and women's ice hockey, women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, softball, women's swimming, men's and women's tennis, and women's volleyball teams.

"We are so excited to have Avery, her twin sister Morgan and the Armstrong family officially join UConn Softball," said head coach Laura Valentino. "Avery and her family already have such a strong connection with our team, so I cannot wait to see where this journey takes us. Avery and Morgan have already impacted me, my staff and my team in such a positive way. We are committed to continue to grow our support for Avery and form a special lifelong relationship with the entire Armstrong family."

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.