2024-25 Team IMPACT Fellows

Maryland Made is joining forces with Team IMPACT to make a game-changing impression ahead of the 2024-25 school year! As this powerhouse collaboration continues, fellows are set to be difference-makers and elevate educational experiences to new heights. Prepare for a surge of innovation and inspiration as these two forces unite to create an unforgettable change.

Student-athletes Reese Delp, Robert Smith, Alexa Rothenbuescher, Isabella Ferraccio and Julia Garcia comprise Maryland Athletic’s 2024-25 cohort of Team IMPACT fellows. Team IMPACT is an organization that tackles the emotional trauma and social isolation experienced by children facing serious and chronic illnesses by matching them with college athletic teams. 

Delp, a field hockey athlete, Smith, a football athlete, and Rothenbuescher, a gymnast, are returning fellows from last school year. Delp and Smith are returning student-athletes on teams with a match. 

Delp says her experience with Team IMPACT has been excellent. Her previous experience as a fellow makes her excited to return.

“I saw and deeply admired the incredible and impactful work TI was doing and wanted to be a part of it and get my team involved,” Delp said. “I think that I better know how to use my time effectively and how to collaborate with other fellows at Maryland and other schools to best elevate TI in our communities.” 

The program has impacted University of Maryland student-athletes by allowing them to provide children in their local community with a profound sense of belonging. Children are given the opportunity to be a part of the team as athletes while undergoing their treatments for two years. After their “signing day,” the new teammate attends games and practices where athletes demonstrate their steadfast support for every child’s support system member. 

There are currently three University of Maryland athletic teams that are matched. They include field hockey, women’s basketball and wrestling. Football and softball are two teams maintaining their relationship with their athlete from last school year. Both sports’ matches earned an “All-Star” status for continued involvement. 

“Anthony Pecorella introduced me to Team IMPACT my freshman year,” Smith said.

“He showed me how great of a program it was and is, and I wanted nothing else but to be a part of it. I have been a part of a program called Road to an M, which has involved going on the pad to raise $1 million for Team IMPACT. We are surrounded by great student-athletes from around the entire nation who all have the same goal in mind of trying to better the community and help these families and children through these battles.”

As fellows, the five Terps will represent Team IMPACT at the University of Maryland and collaborate with the athletic department and greater campus community to raise awareness and increase program participation. 

In return, Team IMPACT will provide fellows with opportunities to build their leadership, community engagement, public speaking and professional and career development skills. It’s designed to prepare them to be leaders in the workforce and beyond. Fellows will help ensure fidelity to the program model and build relationships and awareness. 

“Being part of this leadership group is really going to enhance my experience as a student-athlete,” Rothenbuescher said. “It's given me a whole new perspective on how athletes can make an impact beyond just the field. I've learned so much about leadership and teamwork, and these skills are transferable to my sports and academic life. Honestly, being involved with Team IMPACT has been amazing.”

Delp, Rothenbuescher, Smith and Ferraccio participated in a Team IMPACT Fellowship Summit in June. The event was a three-day training experience in Boston, during which each fellow engaged with other fellows from around the country to learn more about their role in preparation for engaging the University of Maryland's campus and local communities. 

“[The] summit gave me the right tools, ideas, connections and guidance to understand how I can implement my goals for this year of fellowship,” Delp said. “It also empowered me to know what I can accomplish and to be ready to ask for help, support and guidance.” 

All fellows hope for continuous growth and wish to deepen their team’s connection with Team IMPACT through their leadership positions. The fellows all agree their involvement has enhanced their experience as student-athletes. 

“My student-athlete experience is definitely enhanced by the friendships and connections I have made through Team IMPACT,” Delp said. “The fellow experience is so special, fun and empowering, and it definitely has equipped me to be more effective in service and leadership.” 

Maryland Made looks forward to working with Team IMPACT fellows to engage Maryland student-athletes with this organization.