Maryland women’s basketball’s “16th player” creates an unforgettable bond
Sophie Rupolo has spent the past three seasons as Maryland’s “Team IMPACT” and her role has taken a life of its own.
Just as Maryland women’s basketball’s 2025-26 Senior Day ceremonies appeared to be finished, head coach Brenda Frese took the microphone to honor one final Terp. When 17-year-old Sophie Rupolo’s name was announced, she ran to give Frese a big hug. “I was really surprised.
I was crying happy tears,” Sophie said. “People clapped for me. I’ve never seen that happen.
I never felt that way before. ” Sophie has Williams Syndrome – a rare genetic condition. She has spent the past three seasons as Maryland’s “Team IMPACT.
” Team IMPACT is the program that brought Sophie to the Terps. It connects children battling serious or chronic illnesses with college teams to form lifelong bonds and achieve life-changing outcomes. “On senior day, having it be a finale, you wouldn’t be emotional if it didn’t mean something,” Saylor Poffenbarger said.
Continue to the original source for the full article.