Dylan Lipton-Lesser

Position:
Team Impact
Weight:
null
Class:
Graduate Student
Hometown:
North Chesterfield, Va.

11-year old Dylan Lipton-Lesser, of North Chesterfield, joined the University of Richmond Men’s Lacrosse team in 2020. The Spiders were introduced to Dylan and his family through Team IMPACT. (https://teamimpact.org/)

Team IMPACT pairs kids with serious illness and disability with college teams to build bonds that last far beyond just photo ops. The program empowers kids, and the kids inspire everyone around them, especially the student-athletes. No child should have to miss out on being a kid. Team IMPACT ensures kids develop socially and never feel alone while facing serious illness and disability. At the same time, this immersive experience helps student-athletes grow into more inclusive, empathetic leaders both on and off the field.

Dylan, nicknamed the Dragon Slayer, was born 11 weeks premature and has had a complicated medical journey. Diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, he has undergone 22 brain surgeries and receives extensive therapies to gain strength and mobility. Dylan works harder than most, every single day and does so with a smile.

Dylan’s mother India Lipton said, “Dylan loves his team and has been inspired to work a little bit harder when things get tough. He is teaching Coach and the guys how to do sign language. I think he’s already inspiring them to work a little bit harder too! Dylan calls them his “Spider team”. Team Impact has made a match with the University of Richmond Men’s Lacrosse that’s just perfect for him.”

After Dylan’s official signing day, Head Coach Dan Chemotti said, “This is a really special day for us at Richmond lacrosse. Not only do we get to make Dylan an official member of the team, but he epitomizes everything we stand for in Richmond lacrosse. Dylan is the perfect fit for Richmond lacrosse, and we are so excited to make him officially Spider.”

Since its inception in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched over 2,500 children, on more than 726 all-time campuses, across 49 states, positively impacting more than 64,000 student athletes.