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NBC CONNECTICUT STORY
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The University of Hartford women's basketball team, through a partnership with Team IMPACT, welcomed its newest member on Wednesday, six-year old Zoe Brown.
"We are thrilled to welcome Zoe to our women's basketball team," said head coach Jennifer Rizzotti. "Partnering with Team IMPACT and having the opportunity to support Zoe and her family is a very humbling experience. The strength, courage and fight that Zoe is demonstrating on a daily basis will be a source of inspiration for our program to live each day to its fullest and not take anything for granted."
"As a Hartford Hawk, we pride ourselves on pushing through adversity, being there for each other on and off the court, and striving for a championship every day," said junior guard Katelyn Skinner. "Zoe is a great reflection of the spirit, strength, and character we need to be successful. Being a part of Team IMPACT is such an amazing opportunity to truly touch the lives of Zoe and the Brown family, and for us to gain their support as we start our season."
Brown, who lives in Bristol, Conn., was partnered with the Hartford women's basketball team through Team IMPACT, a Massachusetts-based program that pairs children with life threatening illnesses or life-altering chronic conditions with college athletic teams. About two years ago, Zoe was diagnosed with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS), a rare disease in which a virus attacks the immune system and brain.
On Wednesday, Brown joined the women's basketball team for her first practice and following practice signed her letter of intent in a formal ceremony. Zoe is the fourth Team IMPACT athlete to join the University of Hartford family. The Hartford baseball team welcomed the first member, eight-year old Tommy Hastings when he signed his letter of intent in the fall of 2013. Men's soccer welcomed 10-year old Bryson Kelly in August of 2013 while men's basketball signed four-year old Gavin Morris this past summer.
For updates throughout the season on the women's basketball teams partnership with Zoe Brown, be sure to follow the team on Twitter (@HartfordWBB), Facebook (Hartford Hawks Women's Basketball) and on Instagram (@HartfordWBB).
