NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - The Smith College basketball program will welcome a new inspirational teammate into the fold on Jan. 28, as the team will make seven-year-old Madision Conley of Northampton, Mass. the newest member of the Pioneers with a special Signing Day ceremony at halftime of Smith's game against Mount Holyoke College.
 
Members of the College's faculty, staff and basketball program will be on hand to welcome Madison into the institution's family during a special event, which will include the signing of her National Letter of Intent to join the program and the team presenting her with her own jersey.

"Although Madison has been a huge part of the Smith Basketball program for the last 10 months, we are excited to make it official by signing her to the team," Pioneers head coach Lynn Hersey said. "Madison has been a joy to connect with this year, and we are grateful that she inspires us to be our best selves each and every day. She brings immense happiness to our players and coaching staff, and we are excited for all of the memories we've already shared, as well as the bond we will continue to cultivate with her.  She is our MVP."

Madison and her family were paired with the Pioneers through Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization that brings together children with life-threatening illnesses and local college athletics teams.
 
The Pioneers helped Madison celebrate her seventh birthday earlier this summer, and she later accompanied the team to Six Flags.
 

A few of our players having a blast with Madison at Six Flags! ?????? video credit: Jade Chihara

A video posted by Smith College Basketball (@smithbasketball) on Oct 23, 2014 at 12:30pm PDT

Had such a great time celebrating Madison's birthday yesterday! Madison is a new addition to our Smith Basketball team through the organization Team Impact. Madison, We had so much fun painting nails with you, listening to Frozen music, and doing the whip cream challenge! Can't wait to see you again soon!! ??????

A photo posted by Smith College Basketball (@smithbasketball) on Sep 13, 2014 at 8:11am PDT

 
Madison's Signing Day is just one of the festivities planned for Smith's game against Mount Holyoke on Jan. 28, with the school's Presidents, Kathleen McCartney and Lynn Pasquerella, joining their respective teams on the bench while the Pioneers will also hold their annual VIP Day, in which Smith faculty and staff are invited to come be a part of the team for the day.
 
Team IMPACT helps to improve selected children's quality of life through the power of team, placing 575 children at 293 institutions in 42 states since the organization's inception in 2011. The signing of Denis marks Bloomfield's first partnership with the non-profit.
 
For more information on Team IMPACT, visit goteamimpact.org.