Rockhurst University Athletics continues to demonstrate its commitment to making a difference beyond competition, as the Hawks will soon become home to ten Team IMPACT partnerships, the most of any institution in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and currently the highest total among all NCAA Division II programs.

With the upcoming additions of men's basketball participant Ayven, women's lacrosse partnership with Olivia, and dance team's partnership with Averi, Rockhurst will have ten athletic programs paired with children through Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit organization that connects children facing serious illnesses or disabilities with college athletic teams. Since its founding in 2011, Team IMPACT has created life-changing relationships that provide children and their families with a support system while giving student-athletes invaluable lessons in resilience, compassion and perspective.

Rockhurst's current Team IMPACT partnerships include:

• Women's Swimming – Haylee
• Women's Volleyball – McKenzie
• Men's Volleyball – Graham
• Dance – Averi
• Men's Lacrosse – Axton
• Women's Soccer – Emmy
• Men's Golf – Jake
• Baseball – Benji
• Men's Basketball – Ayven
• Women's Lacross – Olivia

The addition of Ayven to the men's basketball program will bring the Hawks' total to ten active Team IMPACT matches, further establishing Rockhurst as a national leader in the program.

Rockhurst first partnered with Team IMPACT in 2017 when the baseball program welcomed Tyler, an 11-year-old from Lee's Summit, Missouri, who was living with cystic fibrosis. Since then, the initiative has grown across the department, with more teams embracing the opportunity to make a lasting impact on children and their families.

Each Team IMPACT participant becomes an official member of their respective team, attending practices, games, team events and other activities throughout their collegiate match. While the experience provides children with encouragement, friendship and a sense of belonging, it also leaves a lasting impression on the student-athletes who gain a deeper appreciation for perseverance, courage and community.

The continued expansion of Team IMPACT partnerships reflects Rockhurst Athletics' commitment to developing student-athletes who serve others and positively impact the Kansas City community. Becoming the NCAA Division II leader in Team IMPACT matches is a testament to the willingness of Hawk coaches, student-athletes and staff to embrace the organization's mission and create meaningful relationships that extend far beyond the playing field.

As the Hawks prepare to welcome their tenth Team IMPACT teammate, Rockhurst continues to set the standard for community engagement and service throughout the GLVC and NCAA Division II.