IRVINE, Calif. -- UC Irvine men's water polo has joined Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit that matches children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses with college sports teams to foster confidence, optimism, and a sense of belonging.

Connor Bollenbach, an avid water polo player, plays for the SOCAL Water Polo Foundation. Bollenbach, who hails from Tustin, Calif., is currently in the eighth grade where he is a 4.0 student.

"Connor has made an immediate impact on our program," remarked head coach Dan Klatt. "Signing him to be an official member of our team was a no brainer. He, and his family, are an example of authenticity, resilience, sacrifice, and love. All key ingredients of any successful team. With Connor leading the way, our team will find the extra energy we need to be our best as water polo players and students, but even more importantly, as human beings. Thank you, Connor, for believing in us!"

Team IMPACT is a two-year program that has matched more than twenty-three hundred children at seven hundred colleges and universities creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved.

For more information on Team IMPACT, visit www.GoTeamIMPACT.org.