The University of Utah Volleyball team recently welcomed a new member to its squad. She's already making quite the impact. Nine-year-old Briar Rose became the team's latest "Ultimate Ute" thanks to a collaboration with Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization focused on connecting children facing serious illnesses with college athletic teams, enriching lives on both sides of the net.
Briar, who has been bravely tackling Wiedemann-Seiner Syndrome, is ready to share her infectious enthusiasm by joining the No. 23 Utah Volleyball team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, a heart-warming story brought to light in an article on the university's official athletics website, her presence at practices, games, and team functions will no doubt be inspiring, infusing the team with a spirit of joy and resilience as she partakes in her designated team activities and builds strong connections within her new athletic family.
Utah Volleyball head coach Beth Launiere acknowledged the significance of Briar coming aboard by saying, "Having Briar Rose join our team is an honor for us," further mentioning how Briar Rose has "brought so much joy already to our team," as per UtahUtes.com. These sentiments speak volumes about the perceived impact that such inclusive initiatives can have on a sports team's culture and camaraderie.
It's clear that Briar Rose isn't just hanging around for the high-fives – she's a full-on member of the team with a personalized cheer, "bump, set, spike it, that's the way we like it," which she's excited to impart to Swoop, the team mascot; also, she adores puzzles, dancing, singing, sparkly dresses, Kit Kats, Pringles, and fun fact, she has a knack for sorting mail, and the players like Utah libero Iliana Linahan can't conceal their elation, noting that Briar "has already made such an impact on us with her kindness and fiery energy," in a series of enthusiastic comments about the team's youngest member.
On the immediate horizon for Briar and the Utes is the annual Red and White Match, which will be hosted at the Huntsman Center on August 23 and is open to the public, free of charge, giving fans a first glimpse of the team's new dynamic, including its youngest addition, following the match, they will kick off non-conference play with the Utah Classic later in the month, a detail highlighted on Utah's official athletics website along with information on the upcoming volleyball schedule, team rosters, and ticket purchasing options for both season and individual games.
