MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – Wesleyan's Director of Golf
Jon Wilson announced a new team member, signing 14-year-old John "Jack" Salafia through Team IMPACT, at Homecoming on Saturday this past weekend.
Jack, a native of East Hampton, Connecticut, who is recovering from myelodysplastic syndrome, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Saturday, October 28
th, on campus. He will participate in many activities with the men's golf 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 Jack officially join the Cardinals," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside Wesleyan University, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
Wesleyan University has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 11 years, matching 16 children across its softball, wrestling, men's and women's soccer, football, swimming and diving, men's golf, and men's lacrosse teams.
"The Wesleyan golf program welcomed its first-ever Team IMPACT member in a 'National Signing Day' for Jack Salafia!" said Wilson. "Jack will assist in coordinating team practices and discussions in the near future. I'm very excited for our newest team member and know the golf program will benefit from Jack's participation."
Gallery: (10-28-2023) Golf Team IMPACT Signing
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 over 3,000 children with 700+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 75,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit
www.teamimpact.org.
