The Rams held a signing day for Culhane at the Ryan Center on Wednesday, March 22. PHOTO CREDIT: gorhody.com
The University of Rhode Island softball team signed 8-year-old Blessing Culhane through Team IMPACT, on March 22 at the Ryan Center.
Team IMPACT is a non profit organization that matches children facing disabilities and serious illnesses with college athletic teams through a two year program. Team IMPACT is known to create long-term life changing experiences for everybody who is involved.
Culhane was diagnosed with a heart condition and became a part of the Team IMPACT community at URI back in the Fall of 2022. In the fall the year prior, Team IMPACT had reached out to the softball team.
Assistant softball coach Christine Akcer explained that with both herself and head coach Whitney Goldstien being brand new to the University that same year and both did not feel ready to take on such an important role. This year, Akcer and Goldstien were ready after becoming well-adjusted with the team.
Upon taking on the role, they welcomed Blessing and her family to the team. Akcer described that on signing day, Culhane brought her friends and family to witness her special day. The room was filled with balloons and the softball team had made posters in honor of Culhane.
Akcer discussed that before Culhane signed with the team she had to spend time with them back in the fall.
“[It was] really nice to meet Blessing and family prior to that day,” Akcer said. “It made signing day more special.”
The contract that Culhane signed at the conference, was a two year contract. With that in mind, Ackler communicated that the contracts can always be extended as needed. She will participate in several team events including practices, games, and other activities. The team has shown how much they enjoy having Culhane as a new member of their team.
Looking forward, Akcer expressed what she would like to see in the future.
“I hope she wants to stay with us,” Akcer said. “That is something she can decide for herself.”
Culhane’s close friend, Akeeah David, recently signed with the volleyball team at the University through Team IMPACT. Akcer expressed that she would like to see the softball and volleyball team getting involved with each other more to create a stronger bond between the two teams going forward.
Back in the fall when the team and coaches got to meet Culhane, Akcer stated that she was a little shy at first, but that did not last for long as she became more equipped with the team.
“She has so much energy,” Akcer said, “she has such a bold personality and was making everyone laugh.”
Before winter break, Ackler explained that the team would set up days to meet with Culhane. They would host Christmas activities such as making gingerbread houses when it got closer to the holidays. Even over winter break, the team set up Zoom meetings to read with Culhane on Monday nights. With the team now in full swing, Culhane stays up to date with the team, even when they have away games.
According to Akcer, Culhane was on the field with the team for the Rams opener. Akcer described that Culhane was in the lineup with the rest of the team giving them all high fives. As the weather gets nicer out now, Akcer talked about wanting Culhane to visit campus more as well as setting up more off campus meet-ups with the team.
Team IMPACT has played a crucial role in the process of signing Culhane.
“Sports are for everybody,” Akcer said, “Team IMPACT is a good way to show many different capacities.”
All around, Akcer recognized the positive experience and wanted herself as well as the team and the other coaches to get more involved with Culhane. Akcer emphasized how Culhane has become such a key asset to Rhodys softball team. She outlined that the team has already gotten good feedback from Culhane’s parents and everyone involved is excited to learn more going forward.