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In September 2018, the Curry College Men's Soccer team recruited 15-year-old Mateo Sodano of Quincy to join their roster. Mateo is a resident of Quincy, MA who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy shortly after he was born.
The College partnered with Team IMPACT to help Mateo realize the power of team. Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit that connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes.
The Curry Men's Soccer Team welcomed Mateo to the Colonels family during a special "Draft Day" ceremony. In front of his family and teammates, he made it official by signing his letter of intent. Next, he suited up in his Curry uniform, donning number 30.
Facebook: Check out the photos from Mateo's Draft Day...
Mateo's father, Angelo, praised the program for providing Mateo the "perfect" opportunity, noting "he's a teenager and he wants to be a part of a team."
"We are beyond excited to add another member to our team," according to Senior Captain Brandon Duhaime. "Mateo is a truly special person we are happy to call our teammate and friend."
Head Coach Peter Mendel shares the excitement of his players about Mateo's drafting. "We are so fortunate to add Mateo and the entire Sodano family to our Curry Soccer family," states Coach Mendel. "We look forward to continuing this terrific relationship and having this tremendous young man represent our program."
Mateo is the tenth child to join Curry Athletics through Team IMPACT. The College began its relationship with Team IMPACT in January 2012 when the Men's Hockey Team drafted 12-year-old Sean Bennett onto their roster. Since that time, Athletic Director Vinnie Eruzione has spearheaded the effort at Curry, and the baseball, football, women's lacrosse, softball, basketball, and volleyball teams have all drafted children onto their roster.