Ohio State Soccer Team Supports Young Fan with Cystic Fibrosis Through Team IMPACT
Liam Williams, a 10-year-old boy, was hospitalized in March after a scooter accident that broke his femur. He had surgery and was not alone during his recovery. Members of the Ohio State men’s soccer team visited him, played NBA 2K games, and supported him.
This support came from Team IMPACT, an organization that connects children with serious illnesses to college sports teams. In March, Liam joined the Ohio State men’s soccer team as an honorary player. He is the first honorary player for the team, which is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation.
Assistant coach Travis Morris expressed their commitment to fully support Liam as long as he wants to participate. Liam has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that impacts his lungs and digestion. His family ensured he takes his medication regularly, and a new treatment is improving his health.
The family learned about Team IMPACT through their social worker at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Kiernan McGeehan, a director from Team IMPACT, shared how powerful these connections can be for children and their families.
Liam’s grandmother, Kim Williams, noted that her grandson was excited to be part of the soccer team because he loves soccer and Ohio State. She described the partnership as a good fit.
– How does Team IMPACT match children like Liam Williams with college sports teams?
Interview with Kiernan McGeehan, Director of Team IMPACT on Liam Williams’ Journey with Ohio State Men’s Soccer
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Kiernan. Can you share how Team IMPACT came to connect Liam with the Ohio State men’s soccer team?
Kiernan McGeehan: Absolutely! We work to match children facing serious health challenges with college sports teams. Liam’s family learned about us through their social worker at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and after meeting him, we knew he would be a great fit for the Ohio State men’s soccer team.
News Directory 3: What impact does this program have on the children you support?
Kiernan McGeehan: The connections are incredibly powerful. They provide emotional support and foster a sense of belonging. For children like Liam, these relationships can help improve their mental well-being and offer a break from their health challenges. Being part of a team gives them a sense of normalcy and joy.
News Directory 3: How has Liam adapted to his role as an honorary player for the team?
Kiernan McGeehan: Liam has embraced this role with enthusiasm. He’s actively participated in team meals, practices, and events. It’s been heartwarming to see how the players have welcomed him. Their interactions have fostered friendships that extend beyond football.
News Directory 3: What have you observed in terms of the team’s dynamics with Liam?
Kiernan McGeehan: The players have really stepped up. They support him during his recovery and treat him like a teammate. Coach Morris and the entire staff are committed to ensuring Liam feels included and valued on and off the field.
News Directory 3: Can you elaborate on how this experience has benefited Liam’s family as well?
Kiernan McGeehan: It’s been a tremendous source of joy for Liam’s family. They’ve watched his confidence grow through these experiences. Engaging with the players has brought them closer as a family, and they’ve felt that they are a part of this larger community.
News Directory 3: How do you see Team IMPACT evolving in the future?
Kiernan McGeehan: We aim to reach more children and create lasting bonds between them and sports teams across the country. The stories we hear from families like Liam’s motivate us to continue our work and expand our reach.
News Directory 3: Thank you for your insights, Kiernan. It seems that Liam’s journey with Ohio State men’s soccer is a testament to the positive impact of Team IMPACT.
Kiernan McGeehan: Thank you for highlighting our mission. It truly is about creating connections that matter.
The team met Liam and his family during a tour of their athletic facilities, where they spent time together and bonded. During the 2024-25 season, Liam joined players for meals, practices, and pregame activities.
Liam expressed how much he enjoys being involved. He said, “Ten out of ten, recommend. Just getting to talk to them and being able to see them.” Morris hopes that both Liam and the players will learn from each other.
According to Kim, Liam has gained confidence through these interactions. Liam’s grandfather, Jim, added that meeting the players has made their experience as fans even more meaningful.
Liam shared that being part of the team gave him valuable experiences and created friendships beyond the soccer field. He described the players as inspiring and noted, “They’re like my best friends.”