Potsdam, N.Y. – Clarkson University head coach Casey Jones announced a new team member, signing 11-year-old Emmitt Laramay through Team IMPACT. 

Emmitt, who was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Wednesday, August 30th, on campus. The crowd included the Clarkson University Pep Band, who played the fight song as Emmitt put on his jersey for the first time.  He will participate in many activities with the men's ice hockey team including games, practices, and other team events. 

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. 

"Team IMPACT is excited to see Emmitt officially join the Golden Knights," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside Clarkson University, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."

Clarkson University has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 6 years, matching 3 children across its women's and men's hockey teams. 

"We are extremely excited about adding Emmitt Laramay to our team.  Emmitt is an incredibly tough young boy that has some obstacles that he has to overcome on a daily basis but has a ton of enthusiasm and a great outlook on life.  We look forward to Emmitt bringing that energy to our team." said Jones.
 

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 over 3,000 children with 700+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 75,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org. 
 

For Clarkson University: Josh Bartell, Jbartell@clarkson.edu 

For Team IMPACT: Katie DePaolo, kdepaolo@teamimpact.org