FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Courtesy of JWU Athletics Communications
Wildcats addition marks the eighth
Team IMPACT partnership across the GNAC
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Johnson & Wales (RI) University baseball head coach Kevin Casey announced the addition of nine-year-old Isaiah Hazard through Team IMPACT on Friday, September 30 at JWU's Wildcat Center.
Isaiah – who has a neurological disorder – was presented with a JWU official team jersey signed by all of the student-athletes. Throughout the 2022-23 academic year and beyond, Isaiah will participate in many activities with the team, including practices and off-the-field team events. Friday's announcement was followed by a Q&A session featuring Isaiah and his new teammates, as well as a reception featuring donuts, ice cream, and refreshments.
"Today is an absolutely special day, not only for Isaiah and his family, but for our baseball program," said Casey. "It's days like this that you're reminded what's important in life. When I had the opportunity to meet Isaiah and hang out with him and his family, I knew he was a perfect fit for our team. This is the easiest recruit we've ever had to sign - it was a no-brainer. I'm looking forward to chasing championships with him on the field and having my guys behind him while he chases his off the field."
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.
"We're excited to welcome Isaiah into our JWU family as a member of our baseball team," JWU Director of Athletics Dana Garfield told Isaiah at this afternoon's introductory press conference. "This does come with some responsibilities, including attending JWU games and wearing your gear proudly! We hope to see you and your family at all of our JWU events."
Johnson & Wales has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 10 years, matching nine children across its men's ice hockey, wrestling, equestrian, men's basketball, women's soccer, men's lacrosse, and baseball programs.
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Isaiah officially join the Wildcats," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside Johnson & Wales, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
Flanked by his parents Erika Thompson and Trevor Hazard, as well as his brother, Isaiah listened to Coach Casey explain why he was the perfect recruit. "Our team dreams big. We do everything we can to keep each other focused through the ups-and-downs of a baseball season and all of the adversity it brings. We're tough. We're not the biggest or strongest or most talented, but we keep coming. When you put those things together and you dream big and refuse to give up, its truly amazing what you can accomplish. Today, we're adding a young man from Rhode Island that, through nine years of his life, has displayed all of those qualities to the highest extent."
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 more than 2,300 children with 700+ colleges and universities in 49 states, impacting more than 60,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.