Josephine Kogler Spreads Joy With Team Impact

Over the past several years, she’s been one of Maryland’s top gymnasts, but she wants her impact at Maryland to be more than what she does on the floor. 

Kogler, a member of Pre-health Terps, worked with Team IMPACT in its partnership with Fight For Children at its recent Youth Sports Day, an annual event held for kids in the local DMV area that gets them excited about sports. 

Kids from all backgrounds and abilities were able to come together, participate in various sporting events and feel the support of their communities at the same time. 

“Fight For Children is a valued community partner to Team IMPACT, united in a mutual mission in the power of sport supporting children’s social and emotional development,” Elise Keels, Regional Director of Programs in the Mid Atlantic at Team IMPACT, said. 

Keels and Team IMPACT have worked with Maryland Athletics for years, creating spaces and opportunities for children to be embraced by their favorite Terrapin Teams. 

“Since 2015, twenty four Team IMPACT matches have been made, partnering a child living with a chronic illness or disability with a college athletic team for a two year experience,” Keels said. “The Terps go above and beyond for their Team IMPACT families including them in games, practices, team dinners, and more.”

One Terp in particular got to know the love that Team IMPACT provides firsthand.

“Supporting events like Fight for Children's Youth Sports Day is important because it creates inclusive opportunities for children, of all backgrounds and abilities, to come together and experience the joy that comes from moving your body and participating in sports,” Kogler said.

This year’s event promoted community engagement by featuring back-to-school giveaways, DJs, local food vendors and several other giveaways. 

As a member of Pre-health Terps, Kogler and other volunteers spent the event tabling for Team IMPACT, educating the community on the incredible program and how to get involved. 

“Volunteering at an event like this aligns with my future aspirations by strengthening my commitment to leadership and service for all communities, regardless of background and other factors,” Kogler said.

Team IMPACT’s focus on getting all kids in the game, regardless of underlying health battles or disabilities. Fight for Children’s Youth Sports Day is the latest in Maryland Athletics’ commitment to creating athletic opportunities for kids who long to feel a part of the team. 

“(Youth Sports Day) allows children, who often face challenges participating in sports, to experience a sense of community and belonging that comes from being on a team,” Kogler said.

Kogler loves being a part of Team IMPACT and seeing the differences the organization makes on kids’ lives. 

“My favorite part of the event this weekend was discussing what Team IMPACT is and how individuals can support the organization, with numerous different families,” Kogler said. “Spreading this information was incredible because it is a very unique organization that offers great opportunities for children with serious illnesses or disabilities.”

Kogler, a Public Health Science major, was especially excited about the event because it gave her real-world experience and helped strengthen her toolbox for the trade she’s excited to join. 

“(Youth Sports Day) allowed me to build upon existing strengths such as communication, collaboration, and empathy, which are crucial skills in the healthcare industry,” she said. “Through this event, I was able to promote a more active lifestyle, where all people feel supported and valued, which is also an essential point in different healthcare careers.”

This year’s Youth Sports Day was a smashing success, combining joy, sports, information, community and so much more. Kogler’s heart for giving combined with her passion for health sciences, creating an event she’ll carry with her for a long time. 

“Watching people smile while learning about Team IMPACT made me feel a sense of happiness and gratitude that I was able to participate in an event like this,” she reflects. 

The Terps’ dedication to giving back and partnering with Team IMPACT is a relationship that Keels is excited to continue into the 2025-26 athletic year and well beyond. 

“The Terps are family to Team IMPACT and our kids thrive in Maryland Athletics team culture,” Keels said. “From signing day to championship play, the mentorship, emotional support, and fun is endless. Team IMPACT continues to be grateful for University of Maryland’s engagement in our program and look forward to what’s to come in 2025-2026 seasons.”