AMHERST, N.Y. (April 11, 2023) -- Daemen University women's basketball head coach Jenepher Banker announced the addition of a new team member, signing 11-year-old Lauren McElrath from Cheektowaga, N.Y. through Team IMPACT.
The Wildcats held an official signing ceremony for Lauren in Lumsden Gymnasium. She will participate in many activities with the team including games, practices, and other team events for the next two years.
Lauren's Signing Day Photo Gallery
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.
"It's great to have Lauren as a part of our team, we're excited about that. She's really into basketball, so that's exciting because the players can't wait to work with her with the actual game, and she's excited about that. They actually went to one of her games and cheered her on. It's a really good connection, and we're thrilled to have her as a part of our team," Banker said.
Daemen has worked with Team IMPACT for the past eight years, matching 10 children across its men's and women's basketball, men's soccer, men's and women's volleyball, and men's and women's cross country/track and field teams.
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Lauren officially join the Wildcats," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside Daemen University, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
Lauren is joining the women's basketball team that just wrapped up a successful 2022-23 campaign. Daemen finished the season with a 20-5 overall record and a 13-3 record in East Coast Conference play. The Wildcats earned their fourth consecutive regular season title and their second straight ECC Tournament Championship, which was also the third tournament title in four seasons. Daemen's season came to an end in their fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II East Region Tournament where they fell to eventual regional runner up Jefferson in the quarterfinals.
