Adrian Diaz

Position:
Team Impact
Class:
Freshman

PEOPLE: 8-Year-Old with Muscular Atrophy Joins UMass Hockey Team — and Calls Himself an 'Intense' Coach

Adrian Diaz signed with Massachusetts hockey through Team IMPACT in 2023.

Adrian lives with Muscular Dystrophy and was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on February 20, 2023 on campus. He participates in many activities with the 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 Adrian officially join the Minutemen," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside UMass Amherst, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."

UMass has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 11 years, matching seven children across its men's basketball, women's lacrosse, hockey, baseball, and football teams.

About Team IMPACT
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 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.