The UConn women’s hockey team has a new player.
Eight-year-old Ashley Greenier’s life has been filled with medical treatments, but the Huskies are hoping time with them will be a bright spot.
The eager girl is now an official Huskies hockey player – a title justified with a jersey, a locker and an open pass to games and practice.
Greenier was connected to UConn by Team Impact, a non-profit that takes children with a chronic or life-threatening illness and brings them to the college level.
“People think it’s about sports but it is really about the power of team,” explained Mary Welker, who works for Team Impact.
The Huskies say great teams are made of great teammates and they have no doubt Ashley will be one of the best
“I know she has a great work ethic I mean a little girl with what she is going through is huge,” said UConn Husky Marisa Maccario.
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Greenier has DiGeorge Syndrome, which means she has a weak airway and a heart condition that affects her growth and immune system. Ashley’s mom says time spent with the UConn Women is a needed escape.
“It’s great to see something other than a medical thing for her to do,” said Terri Greenier.
And Team Impact says the benefits go both ways.
“The student athletes lean perspective you can't get in a classroom,” Welker said.
