LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Rider University volleyball team has announced the signing of Crista Jackson. Jackson, a Willingboro, NJ native, joins the Broncs through Team IMPACT, an organization that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams to create long-term, life-changing experiences for everyone involved.
 
Jackson recently joined the team for a signing day ceremony and will join the Broncs on the sideline for various matches throughout the upcoming season.
 
"The level of inclusion and patience that this team demonstrates for our little girl is something that any parent of a child on the spectrum dreams of," said Jackson's mother, Jenn Asson. "You guys allow her to be her with no judgment and complete understanding! The world should take lessons from you guys, seriously!"
 
"I hope the team truly understands the incredible impact they're making and how they're changing lives in the process. Crista absolutely adores the time she spends with the team, and all of a sudden, she's become a sports fanatic. Volleyball has quickly become one of her favorites. I'm not even sure she knew it existed before you guys lol. All she knows now is that she's on the Volleyball team. She knows a few of the players' names so if you ask her who she thinks is the most awesome, she'll excitedly say Ryley. That's her best friend's name at school. Now if you ask her to point her out in a photo, she goes straight to Brynn lol. It's adorable how much she loves this whole team!" 
 
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Their mission is to guide children and teams alike in a mutually beneficial relationship of belonging, empowerment, and resilience.
 
"Having Crista as a part of our team has been one of the best experiences for all of us to be involved in," said junior setter Ryley Frye. "She is so full of light and joy and it is contagious to anyone that meets her. When she came to be officially drafted to our team it felt like she'd always been a part of RUVB. We all had a blast, danced, laughed and sang a lot of Moana songs! I'm so grateful to know someone as amazing as Crista and I'm even more grateful to have her as my teammate now."
 
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. When we're all in together, we all win together.
 
"We can't thank you guys enough for embracing our little girl and making her feel not just included but truly valued as part of the team," added Asson. "You've shown her the true meaning of friendship, and you've awakened something truly special within her. Your impact goes beyond the volleyball court, and we want you to know that your kindness is changing lives. It did for us and we're forever grateful. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so, so much."