University of Minnesota Athletics
Meet Minnesota Volleyball's Newest Member, Cora
8/12/2021 1:55:00 PM | Volleyball
Team IMPACT partners kids facing chronic illness with college athletic teams
The Gopher Volleyball team's newest member, Cora, officially joined the Gophers as she 'signed' with the team on Wednesday afternoon. Minnesota Volleyball has a partnership with Team IMPACT, an organization that tackles the emotional trauma and social isolation experienced by children facing serious and chronic illnesses by matching them with a college athletic team.
Minnesota's entire team was able to cheer on Cora and her parents, Amber and Kevin, as they went through a staged signing day event in the media room at Maturi Pavilion.
Cora was paired with the Gopher Volleyball team in February of 2020 and became a part of the team shortly after that. The Gophers all met their newest teammate through a Zoom meeting and have been keeping in touch ever since. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team had been unable to host Cora and her family for their 'Signing Day' event, but were finally able to do so on Wednesday, Aug. 11 at the Pav.
The eight-year-old has Rett's Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls and leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child's life: their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe easily. Rett syndrome is usually recognized in children between 6 to 18 months as they begin to miss developmental milestones or lose abilities they had gained.
More Info on Cora:
Nickname: Cora Junebug
Hometown: Minneapolis
Birthday: August 1
College: University of Minnesota
Sport: Volleyball
What was your reaction when you found out about being connected with Gopher Volleyball?
"Super excited because I love Gopher Sports!"
As a part of the Gopher Volleyball team, what are you most looking forward to?
"Looking forward to giggling every time you spike on your opponents (she has infectious giggle) my grandpa calls me Dr. Giggles."
Have you gotten a chance to meet any of the team members? If so, how did you meet them?
"We all zoomed and I was able to see everyone!"
What one word do you think best describes you?
"Persistent."
What's your favorite sport to watch or play?
"The Minnesota Vikings."
What super power would you want to have?
"Bring happiness to everyone I encounter."
What is your dream vacation destination?
"Warm beach-floating in the ocean."
Favorite television show: Puppy Dog Pals
Favorite color: Purple
Favorite movie: Frozen
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite athlete/Idol: Taylor Swift
Favorite Quote: "Though she be but little, she is fierce."
Minnesota's entire team was able to cheer on Cora and her parents, Amber and Kevin, as they went through a staged signing day event in the media room at Maturi Pavilion.
Cora was paired with the Gopher Volleyball team in February of 2020 and became a part of the team shortly after that. The Gophers all met their newest teammate through a Zoom meeting and have been keeping in touch ever since. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team had been unable to host Cora and her family for their 'Signing Day' event, but were finally able to do so on Wednesday, Aug. 11 at the Pav.
The eight-year-old has Rett's Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls and leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child's life: their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe easily. Rett syndrome is usually recognized in children between 6 to 18 months as they begin to miss developmental milestones or lose abilities they had gained.
More Info on Cora:
Nickname: Cora Junebug
Hometown: Minneapolis
Birthday: August 1
College: University of Minnesota
Sport: Volleyball
What was your reaction when you found out about being connected with Gopher Volleyball?
"Super excited because I love Gopher Sports!"
As a part of the Gopher Volleyball team, what are you most looking forward to?
"Looking forward to giggling every time you spike on your opponents (she has infectious giggle) my grandpa calls me Dr. Giggles."
Have you gotten a chance to meet any of the team members? If so, how did you meet them?
"We all zoomed and I was able to see everyone!"
What one word do you think best describes you?
"Persistent."
What's your favorite sport to watch or play?
"The Minnesota Vikings."
What super power would you want to have?
"Bring happiness to everyone I encounter."
What is your dream vacation destination?
"Warm beach-floating in the ocean."
Favorite television show: Puppy Dog Pals
Favorite color: Purple
Favorite movie: Frozen
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite athlete/Idol: Taylor Swift
Favorite Quote: "Though she be but little, she is fierce."
Highlights: Gophers 3, Iowa 0
Sunday, November 16
Highlights: Gophers 3, Penn State 0
Friday, November 14
Highlights: Gophers 0, Nebraska 3
Saturday, November 08
Highlights: Gophers 1, Wisconsin 3
Wednesday, November 05