WATERBURY, Conn. -- The other day, Post University Men's Basketball welcomed its newest member, Brody Piper, through Team IMPACT.

Brody, who has Down syndrome, officially became a member of the team on Wednesday, April 22nd, as the Eagles held his signing day in the Drubner Center. Piper loves playing basketball and baseball with the Challenger league, is a big fan of Steve Harvey, spreading love and kindness, and spending time with his girlfriend, Abbey.

"Post Men's Basketball is more than just basketball; it is about helping people, developing people, giving to the community, and involving them with what we do. We know how fortunate we are, and we want Brody to be a part of this," said Head Coach Marc Kuntz during Piper's signing day.

In speaking with Brody's mother, Melissa Piper, about her son signing with the program, she mentioned, "It means the world to us that he is included; the guys have been so great to him, we love it here. We are most excited for him to be involved with all the guys and watching the games and cheering them on." 

Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletics 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.