FAIRFIELD, CONN. – Sacred Heart University men's lacrosse head coach Jon Basti announced a new team member, signing 16-year-old Patrick "Patches" Angerame through Team IMPACT. 

Patrick, who has cerebral palsy due to an in-utero stroke, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Tuesday, December 5, on campus. He 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 Patrick officially join the Pioneers," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside Sacred Heart University, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates." 

Sacred Heart has worked with Team IMPACT for the past four years, matching nine children across its men's and women's ice hockey, men's and women's lacrosse, men's wrestling, men's basketball, baseball, and softball teams.

"We are very excited to welcome Patches to our family," said Basti. "We know that his addition to the team will benefit us in many ways. There is a lot we can learn from Patch, especially the ability to approach life with a great attitude and to always SMILE!" 

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.