DUDLEY, Mass. (8/19/2026) - With the Bison gearing up for the 2026 season, the Nichols College men's soccer and their coaching staff have announced the addition of Luca Brazil-Sheehan to The Herd in partnership with the Team IMPACT program. Team IMPACT's mission as listed on their site is to guide children and teams alike in a mutually beneficial relationship of belonging, empowerment, and resilience.

Following a successful recruiting process this morning, Luca officially joined the men's soccer family.

Head Coach Marco DeVito adds, "We are really proud to have Luca and his family join our family here. Thank you to Team Impact for everything they do to help educate people and matching us with Luca! Their family is going to be an amazing addition to our program and help us continue developing high character young men with bravery and empathy."

Last year, Luca, aged six, had been diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a blood and bone marrow cancer. Luca has been staying in UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center undergoing several treatments and rounds of chemotherapy. 

Accompanied by his mother Meagan, father James, and younger brother Julian, Luca made his commitment to The Hill official Wednesday morning in the Nichols Athletic Center, met with standing ovation by men's soccer and coaching staff. 

While the Bison will compete together on the field this fall, the newest member of The Herd will provide a reminder that the impact of a team extends far beyond the final whistle.

Follow the link attached to learn more about Team IMPACT as an organization and their presence within collegiate athletics. To support Luca and his battle with Leukemia, you can find more information at the link attached.

Luca's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-luca-brazilsheehans-fight-against-leukemia