The Park University men's soccer program is overjoyed with the signing of its newest Pirate, 12 year old Jaxsen Grinter. The Team IMPACT organization has helped form the connection between Jaxsen and Park men's soccer. Jaxsen is a 6th grader at Congress Middle School in Kansas City, Mo. and the opportunity to play the sport of soccer is rarely accessible for one with Semilobar Holoprosencephaly (HPE), but through this relationship Jaxsen is now part of the team at Park.

Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved.

His family, including his mom Leigh, his dad Jason, brother Owen, and his grandparents, Ron and Linda were all present to take in this moment at the star's signing. There was an even greater show of support from teachers and staff that have been part of Jaxsen's life over the years and the full Park men's soccer team.

"I am so very happy for Jaxsen and his family, and the team" said Head Coach Efrem Shimlis. "I want to thank the Team IMPACT organization and Rebecca for making this possible".

The Pirates are always looking for quickness from their strikers and according to Leigh, "Jaxsen has a need for speed". In fact, Jaxsen loves anything fast, especially roller coasters. His family and him also like to go see the Kansas City Comets in the Major Arena Soccer League in their spare time.

The team looks forward to getting to know Jaxsen more during the spring, but we found out that he is a very social, loves to tell jokes, and one of his favorite cartoon characters is Mickey Mouse. The team plans on watching some Park volleyball with Jaxsen and his family this spring and involving him with other team related activities.