COLLEGE PARK, Md. (DC News Now) — While the Maryland women’s basketball beat Norfolk State, 82-69, in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Saturday, they’re also winning off the court.
The youngest member of the team, their Team Impact teammate – 16-year-old Sophie Rupolo from Rockville, Maryland, was at the Terps game on Saturday.
“It means a lot to me,” Rupolo said. “I’m in their family and I’m here to cheer them on.”
Rupolo, who attends Rockville high school, joined the team last season as a part of the organization Team Impact. Team Impact is an organization that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams. Rupolo has a rare condition called Williams syndrome.
“I like when they give me hugs,” Rupolo said. “I give them high fives when they come out for the games.”
Rupolo has had many special moments with the Terps throughout the last couple of seasons. The entire team even came to her house in Rockville for a team dinner.
“The joy that I see it bring Sophie,” Sophie’s mother Erin Rupolo said. “Brings so much to us as well. It’s just a really cool and amazing experience.”
