Young Terps fan lives her dream

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The energy of sports activities extends far past wins and losses.

For 16-year-old Sophie Rupolo and her household, it’s offered a neighborhood of affection and assist.

Sophie resides with Williams syndrome, a uncommon genetic situation.

Thanks to Team Impact, a nonprofit group matching youngsters with critical sicknesses and disabilities, they helped Sophie signal a contract with her favourite sports activities crew, the Maryland Terrapins girls’s basketball crew.

“I prefer to be within the household, so now I’m of their household,” says Sophie.

“They made, like, an entire to-do within the media room particular to her. They had the information convention arrange, so yeah, actually cool,” says Brian Rupolo, Sophie’s father.

Now she will get to dwell each sports activities fan’s fantasy. Being carefully related with their favourite crew.

“It’s an exquisite feeling. It’s a real feeling, which is probably the most particular factor of it,” says Sophie’s mom, Erin Rupolo.

Sophie’s gotten to journey with the crew on non-public flights, spend time within the locker room, and even get an in-home go to from the crew earlier than the postseason match.

“They made a degree to return out proper earlier than March began, a busy time of the 12 months. On the Sunday night time, there was in all probability 20, 25 of them at our home, together with nearly the complete teaching employees and Brenda herself,” says Brian.

Speaking of Brenda Frese, Sophie and her household are massive followers.

“She’s an excellent coach,” says Sophie.

“I feel we had been form of starstruck at first once we met Brenda. But she’s actually welcomed us in. She’s your on a regular basis kind of individual,” says Brian.

Sophie’s contract with the crew is for 2 years, and he or she turns into an alumna. Her dad and mom, who each attended UMD, hope their teenage daughter continues the Terp custom.

“We’re hoping at some point that Sophie goes to Terps Succeed, which is a program that they’ve there for people with cognitive disabilities. To see hopefully go full circle and have her really attend could be wonderful,” says Erin.

Her dad and mom say this time spent with Team Impact and the Terps has been a priceless expertise for them and their daughter.