University of Massachusets Athletics
2024-25 Women's Basketball Roster
Harper Carpenter
- Class:
- Redshirt Sophomore
- High School:
- Team IMPACT
- Hometown:
- Easthampton, Mass.
University of Massachusetts women's basketball head coach Mike Leflar announced the signing of Harper Carpenter through Team IMPACT in October.
Harper, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 10. In the Champions Center. She will participate in multiple activities with the women's basketball team, including games, practices, and other team events.
"We're unbelievably excited about having Harper join our program," said Leflar. "She's been around us the last two months and her energy, her joy being around the team is so positive. We're really hopeful that we're making a difference for her and her family, but I know from our perspective, she's making a difference for us when she's around. Her journey dealing with medical issues on a day-to-day basis, and her character even at six years old, doing that and going through life with a smile on her face is really inspirational for our team and our staff. If we can just bring a smile to her face and continue to bring smiles to her family's faces when she's around us, that's the true impact that we're able to have."
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Harper officially join the Minutewomen," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside UMass, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
UMass has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 11 years, matching 9 children across its men's and women's basketball, women's lacrosse, men's hockey, baseball, and football teams.
Harper, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 10. In the Champions Center. She will participate in multiple activities with the women's basketball team, including games, practices, and other team events.
"We're unbelievably excited about having Harper join our program," said Leflar. "She's been around us the last two months and her energy, her joy being around the team is so positive. We're really hopeful that we're making a difference for her and her family, but I know from our perspective, she's making a difference for us when she's around. Her journey dealing with medical issues on a day-to-day basis, and her character even at six years old, doing that and going through life with a smile on her face is really inspirational for our team and our staff. If we can just bring a smile to her face and continue to bring smiles to her family's faces when she's around us, that's the true impact that we're able to have."
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Harper officially join the Minutewomen," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside UMass, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
UMass has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 11 years, matching 9 children across its men's and women's basketball, women's lacrosse, men's hockey, baseball, and football teams.
Coach Leflar on HUGE jump from year 1 to 2.
Monday, September 29
Plant the Flag with UMass WBB Coach Mike Leflar
Monday, September 29
Plant the Flag with UMass WBB Coach Mike Leflar
Monday, September 29
UMass WBB | Highlights vs Stonehill | 03.20.25
Thursday, March 20
