SHELTON, Conn.- The Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team officially signed its top recruit, Kaela Knorr, at a press conference held at the Rinks in Shelton, Conn. on Friday afternoon. Knorr will join the Pioneers via Team IMPACT, the Boston-headquartered national nonprofit.

"We are so happy to have Kaela involved with our team," said head coach Tom O'Malley. "From day one you could see how excited Kaela was to connect and bond with our team by attending our games and participating in team events. We are excited to have Kaela as a part of our team now and for years to come." 

After a brief introduction, Kaela signed her national letter of intent and was greeted by the entire SHU women's ice hockey team and staff as well as several family members in attendance. The 14-year old was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). 

Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit headquartered in Boston that connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes. Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 1,800 children with Universities across the country.