BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Vermont women's soccer program announced nine-year-old and Essex Junction native Isabella Boutin as an official member of the team on Thursday night. Boutin joined the Catamounts through Team IMPACT.

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Boutin celebrated her draft day with the Catamounts in a ceremony facilitated by national non-profit Team IMPACT, who connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes. Boutin has been battling a genetic disorder since 2009.
 
Head coach Kristi Huizenga and Boutin signed an official letter of intent during the ceremony. "It has been such a joy getting to know Bella, her family, and we are thankful to be able to add her to our UVM women's soccer family" Huizenga said. "Team IMPACT has a great mission and we are looking forward to adding as much excitement to Bella's life as she adds to ours." As the newest addition to the team, Boutin can attend practices and games with the Catamounts.
 
Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched nearly 1,600 children with more than 500 colleges and universities in 48 states, reaching over 50,000 participating student-athletes. The child joins the athletic team and the student-athletes join the child's support team. Throughout the journey, the child gains strength, camaraderie and support while the student-athletes experience lessons of courage, resiliency and perspective they can't learn in a classroom.

Team IMPACT has more than 1,000 teams waiting to be matched with children, ages 5-16, who have been diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness and who could benefit from becoming a member of the team. For more information, visit www.goteamimpact.org.