The UConn women’s tennis team got a boost to its lineup last week with the addition of 10-year-old Genevieve Neiman of Somers, Conn., who officially joined the program with her signing of a Husky Intent Letter.
Genevieve … truly epitomizes what it means to be a fighter, and is sure to be an inspiration to her teammates. — Women's tennis head coach Glenn Marshall
Partnering with Team IMPACT, the women’s tennis program officially introduced Genevieve at a press conference in Gampel Pavilion, where head coach Glenn Marshall and the team officially welcomed her into the UConn athletic family. Genevieve was joined by her parents Meredith and Douglas Neiman and her grandparents, George and Claire Bronson, both proud UConn alums.
Team IMPACT looks to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team. Genevieve was diagnosed with leukemia in June 2016, and will soon be starting a new round of treatment.
“This is a really special day and is really exciting for us,” said Marshall. “Our program is built on family and making sure we all support each other. We all thought this is a great way to bring in a new member who will be a great, great addition to our tennis program. Genevieve is very social, very generous, and has a great positive attitude. She truly epitomizes what it means to be a fighter, and is sure to be an inspiration to her teammates.”
After signing her official letter, Genevieve addressed the room: “Thank you all so much for allowing me to be a part of the UConn team. I am so excited to be signing here today. This experience will allow me to make new friends and learn from these great girls. It will also allow me to become stronger than I already am. It is an honor to be a part of the group.”
Senior co-captain Emma Alderman added, “We are so excited to have Genevieve as a part of our team, and couldn’t be more excited that she chose us.”
Genevieve’s mom Meredith described signing with TEAM Impact and the UConn women’s tennis team as “a perfect match” for Genevieve.
“The young women on the team are caring, fun, and compassionate,” she said. “They are ideal role models and mentors for her. They have made her feel welcome since the moment we met. They share a common love of good food, crafts, and animals and of course, UConn. What more could a girl ask for?”
The Huskies are entering the home stretch of their season, and look forward to their newest member helping them make the push toward the American Athletic Conference Championships in April.
For more information about Team IMPACT visit their website at GoTeamIMPACT.org.
