Sixteenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

Transformative relationships facilitated by Team IMPACT (TI) are examined in this research that has been conducted annually over the past nine years with more than 3,500 student-athletes. TI is a nonprofit organization that matches children with life-threatening or chronic illnesses with collegiate sports teams. This study explores the mutual benefits of these partnerships for student-athletes and their matches. The research aims to assess how these connections influence emotional well-being, self-awareness, and a sense of purpose among student-athletes, while fostering empathy and community engagement. The study is situated within the domains of sports sociology and community-based interventions, employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. Data from the 2023 cohort, comprising 596 student-athletes, builds on a robust foundation of findings. Key results reveal that 74% of participants reported improved mental well-being, 93% experienced greater awareness of their ability to make a difference, and prominent themes included gratitude, altruism, and inspiration. The findings highlight the significant role of Team IMPACT in enhancing both personal and team experiences for student-athletes, while simultaneously providing joy and support to children and their families. Challenges such as engagement disparities among teams are addressed, offering pathways for improvement. This research affirms the efficacy of Team IMPACT’s model as a cornerstone of holistic athletic and community development, advocating for the program’s expansion and its integration into collegiate athletics. Future research aims to explore leadership opportunities for selected student-athletes participating in TI’s fellowship program.