Saint Mary’s College Softball Team Pairs with Local Child for Team IMPACT Alliance

October 3, 2016 (Notre Dame, Ind.) — The Saint Mary’s College Department of Athletics has once again joined Team IMPACT in their mission to improve children’s quality of life by welcoming a 15-year-old girl from South Bend, Indiana to the Saint Mary’s softball team. Keeaira Obert is the third Team IMPACT match for the department in as many years.

Keeaira will officially join the Saint Mary’s softball team on Tuesday, October 4 during halftime of the Saint Mary’s soccer game on what will be her “Draft Day”. Keeaira will receive her own jersey as well as other team apparel and will be announced as the newest member of the team in a recognition ceremony at approximately 4:40 p.m. Media are welcome to cover the event.

Team IMPACT is an organization that improves the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses by matching them with local college athletic teams. Through these pairings, the organization has successfully enhanced the lives of hundreds of these courageous kids and positively impacted thousands of athletes’ lives across the country.

Through Team IMPACT, the Softball Belles have been paired with 15-year-old Keeaira Obert. Keeaira was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in September of 2015. She has endured intense chemotherapy since then, including seven rounds lasting 5-7 days at a time. Currently she is in remission and continues to goes in for monthly check-up appointments. She will be the third Team IMPACT player to join the Saint Mary’s Department of Athletics as 13-year-old Melody Blower joined the volleyball team this past spring and 12-year-old Bryanna Sikora joined the Saint Mary’s basketball team in 2014.

“We are very excited to add Keeaira to the team,” said softball head coach Kelli Zache. “In the short time we have gotten to know her, she brings enthusiasm and inspiration to everyone. We are lucky for the new addition to the softball family!”

“Keeaira is the perfect addition to our team,” added senior softball player Caitlin Migawa ’17. “We know how hard she has been fighting, and now it is time to have some fun! The Belles softball team loves to have fun and adding another member is just what we need. Keeaira is a kind hearted, outgoing young girl who will have a great impact on our team. Go Belles!”

For more on Team IMPACT, visit their website by clicking here.

About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, residential, women’s liberal arts college offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. Saint Mary’s College also offers two graduate degrees: a Master of Science and a Doctorate. All programs that fall under these degrees are co-educational and include a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary’s College seeks, according to its mission statement, to educate students, develop their talents, and prepare them to make a difference in the world. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2016 published by U.S. News & World Report.

Back to Stories