MEDFORD, MA (November 5, 2026) – On Wednesday, November 4, the Tufts University track & field and cross country teams announced a new team member, signing 10-year-old Theo through Team IMPACT.
Theo, who lives with Ewing Sarcoma, officially signed with the team inside the Tufts University Athletics Department film room on Wednesday. He will participate in many activities with the Jumbos over the next two years, including meets, 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.
Founded by a group of Tufts alumni in 2011, Team IMPACT and Tufts have worked together for 15 years. A total of 39 matches across 19 Tufts teams have been made during that time.
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Theo join the Jumbos," said Amy VanRyn, Chief Program Officer at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to partner with Tufts University, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
After Theo walked into the film room to a standing ovation, Tufts track & field associate head coach
Ben Colello introduced him and his mother, Patty, to an audience of team members, coaches, and academic administrators. He is the track & field / cross country team's first Team IMPACT teammate.
"As a team, we talk about respect and inclusivity all the time, and Team IMPACT has really allowed us to capture that and put it on full display with Theo," Colello said. "We're very excited to officially welcome him to the team."
Team members
Tessa Player and
Jonathan Bailey also welcomed Theo to the team, and he was presented with an official team jersey before signing his "National Letter of Intent" to join the Jumbos.
"Theo said to me after the first day, 'Mommy, they told me I'm part of the team,'" Patty said. "The support and mentorship that the team is giving to him—we really appreciate that."
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 more than 4,000 children with over 750 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
Team IMPACT.
--JUMBOS--
