BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Vermont Men's Ice Hockey head coach Todd Woodcroft announced a new team member, signing nine-year-old Jacob Pratt through Team IMPACT.
Jacob, who has a heart condition, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Wednesday, November 9 in the Gutterson Fieldhouse Video Room. He will participate in many activities with the team including games, practices, and other team events.

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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 Jacob officially join the Catamounts," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside UVM, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
 
The University of Vermont has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 10 years, matching nine children across its women's field hockey, women's and men's basketball, women's and men's ice hockey, and women's and men's soccer teams. 
 
"At UVM, we are looking for team members who demonstrate courage and resilience on a daily basis," said Woodcroft, "Jacob embodies both of those character traits, and we are very excited that he has chosen UVM over all other NCAA and professional teams.  Jacob's ability to handle adversity is the ingredient we want all our leaders to have – we are fortunate to have Jacob not only join our team, but also our leadership group. Welcome to Catamount Country Jacob!"

Inspired Closets is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Team Impact at the University of Vermont for the upcoming 22-23 athletic season. Through their sponsorship of this program, Inspired Closets hopes to help grow the brand awareness and furthermore, the connections for Team Impact in the special Vermont community.  "Inspired Closets is thrilled to see this important addition to the University of Vermont Men's Ice Hockey program for the upcoming season," says President of Inspired Closets, Todd Warren, "we are excited to watch Jacob's relationship with the team undoubtedly flourish over the next two years."
 
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 2,300 children with 700+ colleges and universities in 49 states, impacting more than 60,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.