Uplifting, Uniting & Impacting – University of Maryland Athletics

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.