UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Camryn Villagrana, a spirited young girl from State College, Pennsylvania, has officially joined the Penn State women’s soccer team for the 2025 season through a heartfelt partnership with Team IMPACT. Head coach Erica Dambach made this announcement during a signing ceremony held at the Hawbaker Pavilion.
Coaching staff and players came together to celebrate Villagrana, who is currently seven years old and bravely battling leukemia. The event included her family members—father Mike, mother Tiffany, and older brother Dominic—highlighting the strong community bond that surrounds this initiative. “When we evaluate any recruit, we determine whether or not they should join our program based on their toughness, strength, heart, and determination,” stated Dambach. “Camryn embodies all of these characteristics in so many ways, and I could not be more proud to welcome her, and the entire Villagrana family into our Penn State women’s soccer program. Team IMPACT is such a special organization that provides an unparalleled experience for children battling illness and their families, and we are beyond blessed to have Camryn on this incredible journey with us.”
Team IMPACT is a notable non-profit organization focused on matching children facing severe health challenges with college athletic programs, fostering meaningful relationships based on belonging and resilience. Founded in 2011, the organization has successfully paired hundreds of children with collegiate teams, nurturing mutual empowerment and camaraderie. Camryn’s partnership with the Nittany Lions marks a significant milestone for both the young athlete and the program.
Penn State women’s soccer joins a select group within Nittany Lion Athletics, becoming the seventh team to collaborate with Team IMPACT. Other athletic programs involved include PSU football, men’s soccer, baseball, field hockey, women’s lacrosse, and the reigning national champion women’s volleyball team.
For those interested in following Camryn’s journey and the Penn State women’s soccer program, updates and information can be found on the official website at GoPSUSports.com and on social media platforms such as X and Instagram under the handle @PennStateWSOC. Fans can also connect on Facebook at /PSUWomensSoccer.
The Penn State women’s soccer season for 2025 will be presented by Highmark, further supporting the program as it continues to advocate for initiatives that engage the community and support young athletes like Camryn.
