On Sunday, Apr. 27, the UC Davis volleyball team announced the signing of 13-year-old Maren through Team IMPACT as part of the incoming recruiting class for the 2025 season.
"We are very excited for Maren to join UC Davis volleyball," said head coach Dan Conners. "Her personality and resilience are a great fit for the program. I'm very grateful for Team IMPACT and our leadership group for making this possible."
Maren, a native of Elk Grove, California, has been battling Ewing sarcoma since she was two and a half years old. After recently being declared cancer-free, she was matched with the Aggie volleyball team through Team IMPACT, allowing her the opportunity to attend events on campus with her new teammates and spend time with them on the court.
After being welcomed to Hickey Gymnasium by coach Conners and a handful of her future teammates, Maren and her family were escorted into the training room where they were greeted by the rest of the team with balloons and a sign welcoming Maren to the team.
"Here at Davis, our whole team has worked really hard to create a united sisterhood," middle blockerÂ
Allie Caldwell said, "When she was being recruited here we knew that she fit here perfectly. She's super resilient, super kind, and super respectful. It's been awesome getting to know her and we're excited that we got to sign her today."
Following Maren signing her letter of intent, she and her family were then escorted to the practice facility on the gymnasium's second floor, where they spent the rest of the afternoon chatting with the team and experiencing what it means to be an Aggie.
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Their mission is to guide children and teams alike in a mutually beneficial relationship of belonging, empowerment, and resilience.
Through this program, their vision is to create a world where every child facing serious illness and disability feels supported by something bigger and every team is transformed by a greater purpose. When we're all in together, we all win together.
