BOSTON – The Swarthmore College Athletic Department was celebrated as the 2026 Team IMPACT Division-III Campus of the Year, announced by the organization at its annual summit. 

Last week in Boston, the Garnet were one of three campuses recognized for their Fellows' outstanding efforts to foster a culture of belonging, advocacy, and impact throughout the past year.

This year's Fellows Liesel Blau (women's soccer), Jordan Vrees (women's soccer), Erin Coyle (field hockey), Nate Kim (men's soccer), and Colin Crowe (men's soccer) attended the summit to receive the prestigious honor. 


"Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful because it represents the heart our athletic community has invested in Team IMPACT," said Blau, a second-year Team IMPACT Fellow. "Guiding our athletes to fully embrace this mission and seeing firsthand the joy and sense of belonging these relationships bring to the children and teams has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. I am so proud to help grow this community and expand its impact, making this national recognition especially meaningful."

Team IMPACT recognized the commitment and leadership of Swarthmore's Fellows in its official press release, writing:

"At Swarthmore College, Fellows Liesel Blau (women's soccer) and Joseph Eyiolowope (men's soccer) have worked together to foster a campus-wide commitment to inclusion and community.

Their collaborative leadership has brought together teams across the athletic department while elevating Team IMPACT's mission in meaningful ways. Together, Liesel and Joe demonstrated exceptional leadership and creativity by coordinating Team IMPACT Awareness Games, hosting a successful Design FC community event, organizing a Team IMPACT lunch during DIII Week, and ensuring all Team IMPACT matches were celebrated throughout the school year. By building connections, encouraging participation, and championing opportunities for student-athletes to serve others, Liesel and Joe have helped create a lasting culture of impact that extends well beyond the playing field."

Last season, the Garnet launched their inaugural year as part of the Team IMPACT Fellowship program. Led by Blau and Eyiolowope, Swarthmore hosted its first annual Team IMPACT Awareness Day, celebrating and recognizing its matches across several sports. The Garnet Fellows also organized several community initiatives, including the collaboration of Team IMPACT and Design FC partnerships.

Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved. Swarthmore has strengthened its Team IMPACT partnership over the past five years, with six programs currently matched with Team IMPACT athletes.

"This partnership with Team IMPACT has been incredibly rewarding, inspiring many members of Swarthmore's athletic community to champion children facing serious medical challenges," said Kim. "Through meaningful relationships among teams, Fellows, Team IMPACT matches, and their families, Team IMPACT's mission of 'Getting All Kids In The Game' has fostered a shared spirit of hope, unity, and inclusion throughout Swarthmore's athletic community."

Swarthmore is committed to increasing its number of Team IMPACT matches, with the ultimate goal of achieving 100-percent participation across all athletic programs. The department sees the partnership as a meaningful avenue for community engagement that also enriches the student-athlete experience.

"The summit is a reminder that Team IMPACT creates a sense of belonging for children and their families while also changing the hearts and perspectives of the student-athletes who have the opportunity to welcome them onto their teams," said Blau. "With our expanding team of Fellows at Swarthmore, I look forward to continuing to grow our Team IMPACT community and am grateful for the opportunity to inspire other campuses and student-athletes to be all in!"