NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion men's soccer team announced on Monday a new signee as seven-year-old Waylen Cheatham joined the team through Team IMPACT.
Cheatham, who was born with a number of congenital heart defects, officially signed with the team on Saturday at the ODU Soccer Complex. He will participate in many activities with his new teammates, including games, practices and other team events. Cheatham is a second grader at Middlesex Elementary School and is from Hartfield, Virginia.
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illnesses and disabilities 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 are so excited to have Waylen join our program. His positive outlook, energy, charisma and fearless attitude are all the attributes we look for in a member of our program," said ODU Associate Head Coach Tennant McVea. "His presence is felt the moment he walks into the building and he makes our group better. We look forward to being able to support him on his journey."
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disabilities 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.
Men's Soccer Announces Team IMPACT Signee Waylen Cheatham
