Annaliese Joiner

Christian, a teen with down syndrome and Rams basketball’s most recent signing, poses with head coach Brian Wanamaker and assistant coach Tevin Baker.

For most student athletes, signing day is one of the biggest days of their lives—Texas Wesleyan’s most recent signing day was no different.  

With the help of Team IMPACT, Christian, a young boy with Down Syndrome, got the chance to be involved in college sports in a way that most people only wish for. Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit organization that brings children with serious illnesses and disabilities together with college sports teams to develop lifelong friendships and provide them with a sense of belonging and support. 

Men’s basketball head coach Brian Wanamaker wanted to make the experience even more special for Christian and came up with the idea of having Christian’s own signing event. 

It had all the components of a real college signing day, from the people in attendance to the press covering the event and a media day with the other Rams basketball players. 

When asked what his favorite part of the day was, Christian didn’t hesitate. “Being around students and my mom!” He exclaimed with a smile.

It was just as impactful of a moment for Christian’s family as it was for him. His mother reflected on the experience and the way Texas Wesleyan welcomed her son. 

For Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Retention & Services Jill Gerloff, who was in attendance, the experience was emotional and personal.

“I cried because the thing that I think makes Texas Wesleyan such a special place is these types of things,” Gerloff said. “We really have ties to the community. We care about others. We care about the people and not just the players. We care about who y’all are as humans and making sure that you remember to pay that forward in the future.”