Cavaliers Welcome Luke Michael Through Team IMPACT

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia men’s lacrosse head coach Lars Tiffany, in conjunction with Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country, announced the signing of Luke Michael on Monday (Nov. 6).

Michael, who is affected by cognitive and physical impairments following a drowning accident, has been involved with the program starting with this past spring season during which he has attended UVA games and practices, and bonded with student-athletes and coaches in small group settings. For the next two years, Michael will continue to do so as an official member of the program.

“To get straight to the point, Luke is an absolute inspiration,” said Tiffany. “Since we met Luke, we have witnessed first-hand significant developmental improvements. What a determined little warrior! Luke and his family are not the type of people that will accept defeat, and it is obvious they are winning. We are so fortunate to have the Michaels on our side giving us their extra juice and motivation.”

Over the last 10 years, UVA Athletics and Team IMPACT have matched 16 children across multiple Cavalier teams. Virginia men’s lacrosse was fortunate to have one of those previous young athletes, Brian Rehm.

About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT’s unique multi-year 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.