BURLINGTON, Vt. – University of Vermont women's soccer head coach Kristi Huizenga announced a new team member, signing 13-year-old Olivia Friel through Team IMPACT Wednesday afternoon.
 
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"The women's soccer team is thrilled to welcome Olivia to our 2023 team," said Huizenga. "We all have a common love for the game of soccer, but her presence on our team is something bigger than the game. She is now part of our Catamount family and we look forward to sharing a special year ahead with her and her family. Go Cats!"

Olivia was diagnosed with Barakat Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that can affect one to all three organs (kidney, parathyroid and ears). Barakat Syndrome has caused very little data because a lot of people with the disorder don't know they have it. She will participate in many activities with the women's soccer 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 Olivia officially join the Catamounts," said Emma Simches, 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."
 
Inspired Closets is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Team Impact at the University of Vermont for the upcoming 2023-24 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.
The University of Vermont has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 11 years, matching 10 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. 
 
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 2,600 children with 700+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 65,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.