UMass Lowell Athletics

Eason, who is five years old, becomes the 12th Team IMPACT teammate to be matched with a River Hawk program thanks to the Boston-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing chronic illnesses.
 
"What we have been doing here at UMass Lowell with Team IMPACT has been fantastic, we could not wait to get a little 'laxer' on our team," said Head Coach Carissa Medeiros. "When we got the phone call that Sophia was going to be with our team, the girls were really excited. To be able to have this young, fun spirit around is something that I think keeps our girls a little fresh. They have had a fantastic time meeting her so far, and I'm excited for her presence on the side line with us."
 
Eason "chose" to be a part of the River Hawk women's lacrosse team during a special Draft Day press conference at the Tsongas Center in Lowell. She was welcomed to UMass Lowell by the entire coaching staff and all of her River Hawk teammates, as well as Rowdy the River Hawk, the school's mascot.
 
"It has been amazing, Sophia loves coming out to UMass Lowell and hanging with the girls," explained Sophia's mom Alex Walsh. "We are really excited to be with the team during practice and games and can't wait to see how this experience will provide a better outlook for her."

The Brockton native was diagnosed with a rare nervous system disease called Sturge Weber Syndrome in 2012. Sturge Weber Syndrome is not genetic, but if left undiagnosed and untreated, is life threatening. Sophia had complete right side paralysis and began having seizures around six months old. She has worked hard at physical and occupational therapy and has almost completely overcome right sided paralysis and has been seizure free for almost two years now.
 
Sophia recently started preschool, her favorite color is orange and her favorite number is 24 or 27. She loves all Disney music and her favorite movie is Aladdin. Her favorite athlete is her aunt Jessica Walsh, of the River Hawk field hockey team. She loves to swim, read and play on the playground. She is a big fan of UMass Lowell, especially Rowdy The River Hawk. She enjoys watching the show Paw Patrol, and her favorite foods include ice cream and hamburgers.

When asked how she felt about becoming a River Hawk, Sophia simply responded, "wow."