BURLINGTON, Vt.  – University of Vermont Athletics and its multimedia rightsholder, LEARFIELD's Vermont Sports Properties, announced today an elevated relationship with corporate partner Inspired Closets. Known as Inspired Closets Vermont, Inspired Closets is adding a new component to its multi-year sponsorship agreement with Vermont Sports Properties. In the new term, Inspired Closets will serve as presenting sponsor of Team IMPACT at UVM, while simultaneously continuing to provide overarching support to the Catamounts' athletics programming.

"We are very proud be working with Team Impact and UVM Athletics to create these amazing experiences for Vermont children with serious illness and disabilities." Says President of Inspired Closets, Todd Warren, "It is a wonderful opportunity for fans, student athletes and the community, to be involved with an effort so genuine that it touches us all.  We look forward to being a driving force in growing the reach of Team Impact at UVM and throughout Vermont"

Namely, Vermont men's basketball and Vermont men's hockey recently signed Team IMPACT matches to the official team rosters. 10 year-old Dylan Schaeffler, is now a part of the UVM men's basketball program, and 9 year-old Jacob Pratt is the newest member the UVM men's hockey team. Shaeffler and Pratt are Team IMPACT matches, who, will enjoy memorable experiences and interactions with the coaches and student-athletes for the next two years. Inspired Closets, Vermont Sports Properties, and UVM Athletics are planning a Team IMPACT game day, currently slated for Jan. 19, 2023, when the men's basketball team hosts Maine.

"We are excited about our new addition to the Vermont men's basketball team," said Cioffi Men's Basketball Coach John Becker. "He is a special young man from a great family, and we are honored to have Dylan join our family. Go Cats Go!"

Similarly, Coach Todd Woodcroft is thrilled to add Jacob to the UVM hockey program for the upcoming seasons, "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."

Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disabilities 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. LEARFIELD, through its relationship as athletics multimedia rightsholder for nearly 200 college properties, is helping escalate the reach of Team IMPACT through these existing relationships.

"Team IMPACT is thrilled to see Inspired Closets working so diligently to support their efforts, matching children from across the state onto University of Vermont teams," said Regional Director of Programs, Northeast, at Team IMPACT Danielle Hardee, "Together, Inspired Closets and Team IMPACT are changing the lives of children living with serious illnesses and disabilities by empowering them to build confidence and independence with their UVM teammates."