DAYTON – The University of Dayton women's soccer team has partnered with the national nonprofit Team IMPACT, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing serious and chronic illnesses through the power of team, to hold a special Draft Day celebration for 13-year-old Madison Lovett of Miamisburg, Ohio today at the Frericks Center. Madison was diagnosed in 2011 with Ehler's Danlos Syndrome.
 
Through Team IMPACT's program at Division I University of Dayton, Madison will become an official member of the UD women's soccer team. As a team member, Madison will attend Flyer practices, games, team dinners, events, and more. 
 
Head Coach Eric Golz made opening remarks and then Madison signed her official Letter of Intent. Madison then got her official head shot and was a part of a Flyer women's soccer team photo.
 
"Madison has been diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder known as Ehler's Danlos Syndrome," said Rhianna Krutz, director of operations for UD women's soccer. "She is a huge soccer fan and has a UD WSOC signed poster hanging up in her bedroom. We are excited to welcome Madison to our program!"

Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit headquartered in Boston that connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes. Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 1,400 children with more than 500 colleges and universities in 47 states, reaching over 50,000 participating student-athletes. The child joins the athletic team and the student-athletes join the child's support team. Throughout the journey, the child gains strength, camaraderie and support while the student-athletes experience lessons of courage, resiliency and perspective they can't learn in a classroom.

Team IMPACT has more than 1,000 teams waiting to be matched with children, ages 5-16, who have been diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness and who could benefit from becoming a member of the team. If you know a child who may be interested, visit www.goteamimpact.org for more information.