Uplifting, Uniting & Impacting

In collegiate athletics, victories are measured by numbers on a scoreboard and championship trophies. Yet, along with the intensity of competition, a deeper, more meaningful facet of sports exists – the power to uplift and unite communities.

At the University of Maryland, this reality is evident through the Team IMPACT Fellowship Program, where athletes like Reese Delp of the field hockey team are making a lasting difference that extends far beyond her sport. 

Team IMPACT is the only U.S. nonprofit that helps children with serious or chronic illnesses overcome acute social and emotional isolation by matching them with a college athletic team for inclusion and purpose. ??Team IMPACT seeks to create a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved. At Maryland, there are five teams currently participating in the program. These include women’s basketball, baseball, wrestling, men’s hockey (club sport) and field hockey. 

Delp plays a significant role in the University of Maryland’s chapter of Team IMPACT. She discussed her journey into the fellowship program, the difference she has made for the program and the impact that the program has made on her. Delp’s introduction to the program began with the program’s moving presence on social media. 

“I saw campaign videos on their Instagram, and it actually made me cry. I was just like ‘Oh my gosh, this is so cool,” Delp said.

She then talked to a university staff member about her interest in the program and desire to search for a match with the field hockey team. The staff member encouraged her to apply to the Team IMPACT Fellowship Program as it was something Delp was passionate about. 

Being a part of Team IMPACT is a two-year commitment for student-athletes where they represent the fellowship on campus and collaborate with the athletic department and greater campus community to raise awareness and increase program participation. Currently, there are four student-athletes involved: Robert Smith and Ruben Hyppolite II (football); Alexa Rothenbuescher (gymnastics); and Delp (field hockey).

Being a Team IMPACT fellow goes beyond involvement. It’s about advocating for a cause that Delp wholeheartedly believes in. 

“I wanted to get involved in a way that was a little more than just my team,” Delp said. “I wanted to be able to use the network they give you and acquire the skills to better describe Team IMPACT to other people and advocate for them effectively.”

Delp played a significant role in the efforts to find a match for her team. Through networking within her local community and utilizing her outreach, Delp successfully matched the field hockey team with a 16-year-old named Emily, who has Down syndrome. 

Emily’s mother, Kathy Meyers, shared what it means for her daughter to be matched with the team. 

 “[Team IMPACT] is a way for Emily to feel like a real Terp when a lot of her family members have been Terps,” Meyers said. “I think for all of us with kids that maybe have some differences and things, it's great and important to have ways to establish connections with people. Everybody wants to be connected and be a part of something. I think it's nice to have an opportunity that she can, especially for Emily with her sisters being [at Maryland]. It’s a way for her to have a connection to a place and have a part of the college experience that she might not have had otherwise, and it's a way for her to share that with her sisters.” 

The bond between Emily and her family, and Delp and the field hockey team grows with each game and activity attended together. Delp goes out of her way to make Emily feel welcomed and embraced by her team. Meyers acknowledged Delp’s proactive nature, emphasizing her role in making the match possible.

“I think it's great that Reese went out of her way to look to make that match and make that happen for somebody,” Meyers said. “We were lucky that it happened to be our daughter, but just knowing that she wanted to go out and do that and make that match, I thought it was great.”

Emily's journey with Team IMPACT is marked by gradual transformation and moments of happiness. She deeply appreciates the kindness of her teammates, who give her thoughtful gifts and personalized gear. These gestures make her feel more connected to the community. She proudly showed off her new field hockey stick at a family gathering, embracing her role on the team.

Delp passionately advocates for Maryland student-athletes to consider being a part of Team IMPACT, specifically as a fellow. 

“I think it's great for many reasons. Number one, if you enjoy Team IMPACT’s mission and what they're about, you should get involved because it gives you the tools to be a better advocate,” Delp said. “I think it's also a great way if your team is not matched, to get matched, and to help you understand how to do it right and well.” 

“I think that it's important to get involved in things you believe in,” Delp continued. “I think it's important for yourself and gaining experience outside of athletics. That’s something that sometimes student-athletes can miss out on.” 

As Delp continues her journey as a Team IMPACT fellow, the field hockey team and Emily and her family are excited for the official ‘media match day’ occurring in late March or April. The day will showcase Delp’s and the other fellows’ hard work and highlight the importance of establishing relationships between athletic teams and their local communities. Team IMPACT shows how athletics and being a part of a team can make a significant difference in people’s lives.