Garden City, N.Y. – With the help of an organization called Team IMPACT, the Adelphi University men's basketball team has added a mid-year addition to its program, announced Monday, Jan. 19.
The Panthers added 16-year-old Danny Cheatham, a local product of Manhasset, N.Y. on Monday afternoon, in a ceremonial signing day in the Campbell Lounge. The men's basketball program, joined by members of the Cheatham family and Adelphi athletic administration, watched as Cheatham signed his National Letter of Intent, making him officially a member of the team.
"When you sign your letter to Adelphi, you basically sign your life away. You're a part of this family forever," said fifth year captain Matthew Price. "Danny is a steady, constant of bringing happiness and joy to us on the basketball court. It's a great reminder that that's what he brings in life.
Danny, who was diagnosed with a Teratoma brain tumor at birth, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on January 19 on campus. He will participate in many activities with the team including games, practices, and other team events. Cheatham and the team first at the beginning of the 2024-25 season, and after a brief time in the transfer portal, he landed with the Panthers and has made it official for the remainder of the 2025-26 season with today's signing.
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Danny officially join the Panthers," said Amy VanRyn, Chief Operating Director, at Team IMPACT, "We take pride in collaborating with Adelphi University, their athletic department, and coaching staff to foster enduring connections and bring about transformative experiences for student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
Adelphi University has worked with Team IMPACT for the years, and currently has two active matches matching Danny with Men's Basketball and one more with the Men's Soccer Team.
"Our program is grateful to Team Impact for the incredible opportunity to be matched with Danny," said Duke. "It has been our pleasure getting to know Danny as a person and teammate. He is a true inspiration to each and every one of us with his positive personality, courage, determination and zest for life! Panther Nation is better with Danny in it!"
Adelphi is back at home on Tuesday, January 27 when they host Franklin Pierce at 7:30 p.m. The conference doubleheader is part of the campus's Welcome Back Week and will feature prizes, giveaways, free food and more. Additionally, the date is set to support Make-A-Wish.
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disability onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched over 3,000 children with 700+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 75,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
