GOLDEN, Colo. – The Colorado School of Mines women's soccer program has partnered with Team IMPACT to sign Lily L. to the Oredigger program. Lily's signing day ceremony was held on Saturday August 31, 2024 in the Korrell Auditorium with her family along with the women's soccer team and staff in attendance.
 
"We are really excited to add Lily to our roster," said head coach Kevin Fickes. "One of the things we value highly at Mines is the ability to overcome adversity. Words like resiliency, I prefer the word 'tough'. The way you are, always with a smile is really impressive to me and I'm pumped to have you join our team!"
 
Junior outside backer Callie Fuhr, who headed up the program's Team IMPACT initiative said, "It is such a blessing to that we were able to match so fast and with such a great girl! We've already made a lot of fun memories with you and we can't wait to make more!"
 
Redshirt junior center back Natalie Rouse added, "We want to thank you for joining our team! You are a source of strength for us … that when things get hard for our team and for us in our own lives, we can think of you and know we can do it!"
 
"We want to reinforce how proud we are of Lilly and everything she brings to this team!" said redshirt freshman midfielder Izzy Sontheimer. "Always showing us that we can have strength with a smile, we can fight and we can do the hard things and for that, we are so proud of her and so happy to have her on our team!
 
Lily is an eight-year old from Highlands Ranch who was diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Leukemia in May 2022. She's a talented artist and LOVES jamming to Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo (especially with her Mines teammates!). While she can seem introverted when first meeting her, once she feels comfortable she's a super goofball who loves her family and friends.
 
Lily will join her teammates on the sidelines and in the stands during Mines home matches during the 2024 season.
 
Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved. Their mission is to guide children and teams alike in a mutually beneficial relationship of belonging, empowerment, and resilience. Through this program, their vision is to create a world where every child facing serious illness and disability feels supported by something bigger and every team is transformed by a greater purpose.
 
Fans can keep up with Mines women's soccer on Twitter and Instagram at @mineswsoc. They can also keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all year long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.