Tufts Women's Soccer Adds New Team Member as Blakely Joins Through Team IMPACT

MEDFORD, MA (September 15, 2026) – Tufts University women's soccer head coach Martha Whiting announced a new team member on Thursday afternoon, signing ten-year-old Blakely through Team IMPACT. 

Blakely, who lives with Noonan Syndrome, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference last Thursday afternoon. She will be involved 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 Blakely 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."

Tufts University has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 15 years, matching 38 children across 18 teams!
 
"The team is really looking forward to having Blakely as a teammate.  We have all been so excited all summer waiting to meet her in person. Our inclusive culture will be an amazing atmosphere for Blakely to come into." said Head Coach Martha Whiting. "The joy that our team exhibits every day will only be amplified by Blakely's presence. That joy was on full display on Saturday after our first goal when Blakely was at the center of the team celebration!  It's only been a week, yet she has been in incredible addition to our team!"

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.