Ten-year old Genevieve Neiman, who has leukemia, joined the women’s tennis program with her signing of a Husky Letter of Intent. (Photo courtesy of Athletic Communications)
This past Wednesday, UConn athletics signed their newest Team IMPACT member. During a press conference at Gampel Pavilion, the UConn women’s tennis team introduced 10-year old Genevieve Neiman of Somers, Connecticut. Genevieve is about to begin a new round of treatment for Leukemia, which she was diagnosed with last June.
“Thank you all so much for allowing me to be a part of the UConn team. I am so excited to be signing here today,” Genevieve said after signing her official letter of intent. “This experience will allow me to make new friends and learn from these great girls. It will also allow me to become stronger than I already am. It is an honor to be a part of the group.”
Their newest team member will be attending practices, games, and other team events.
“This is a really special day and is really exciting for us. Our program is built on family and making sure we all support each other. We all thought this is a great way to bring in a new member who will be a great, great addition to our tennis program,” Head coach Glenn Marshall said during the press conference. “Genevieve is very social, very generous and has a great positive attitude. She truly epitomizes what it means to be a fighter and is sure to be an inspiration to her teammates.”
Team IMPACT is an organization that uses the power of teamwork as a support system for children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses. This is UConn’s third partnership with the organization. Since 2014, men’s ice Hockey has signed Camden Soucy and baseball has signed Grayson Hand.
“Signing with Team IMPACT and the UConn women’s tennis team is a perfect match for Genevieve,” Meredith Neiman, Genevieve’s mother, said. “The young women on the team are caring, fun and compassionate. They are ideal role models and mentors for her.”
Women’s Tennis is reaching the end of their season and gearing up for the American Athletic Conference Championships in April.
Rachel Schaefer is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. She can be reached via email at rachel.schaefer@uconn.edu.