NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona University women's basketball program welcomed its newest teammate, Leah Matos Jimenez, through Team IMPACT during a special signing day with the Gaels on Saturday.

Leah, a 15-year-old Yonkers, New York, native living with spina bifida, officially joined the Maroon & Gold surrounded by her family, members of the women's basketball program and the Iona community. An avid basketball fan, Leah also enjoys arts and crafts.

"Family is such a big part of who we are and what we believe in at Iona, and we get to officially call Leah one of our own," head coach Angelika Szumilo said. "She and her family are becoming part of our Iona family, and we're looking forward to her simply being part of our lives, being in the gym, around our players, celebrating the good days and being there through the hard ones. People may think this is about the impact our program can have on Leah, but I really believe Leah is going to have an even greater impact on us. That's what makes this relationship so special."

Through Team IMPACT, Leah will become an active member of the Iona women's basketball program, building relationships with the Gaels and participating in team activities and events throughout the multiyear experience.

For Leah, joining the Gaels provides an opportunity to continue enjoying basketball while experiencing what it means to be part of a collegiate team.

"I'm most excited about being part of the team, meeting new people and getting the chance to be part of women's basketball," Leah said. "At my school, I practice basketball in an adapted way, so I'm really excited to have this experience and be part of a team."

"Something very special about Leah is that she shows being strong doesn't mean everything is easy," her mother, Josefina, said. "It means continuing to try, staying positive and doing your best even when something is hard."

Saturday's signing marked the beginning of Leah's journey with the Gaels as she becomes part of the Iona women's basketball family both on and off the court.

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.