OXFORD, Ohio – Miami University head men’s basketball coach Travis Steele has announced the addition of 10-year-old Lance Leadon to the 2026-27 basketball roster. Lance, a mem
ber of Team IMPACT, now joins the RedHawks’ team.
Lance, a native of Fairfield, Ohio, was diagnosed with Autosomal Recessive Congenital Hypomyelination Peripheral Neuropathy at birth. This condition affects his gross motor nerves and function which causes him to breathe, eat, communicate and move differently. He loves sports, plays baseball with the Miracle League and loves to watch college basketball.
“#DontCountEmOut! We hope that this encourages people to understand and practice that differences don’t mean disqualification. Just because Lance, or anyone for that matter, doesn’t do something a typical way, it doesn’t mean they can’t do it,” said Lance’s mother, Maria Leadon. “We have to find ways to reach them and help them excel at their level. Lance has taught us (his family) so much about loving people for who they are and about living and not merely existing in this world. We are grateful that this team is so accepting of Lance, include him in what they do, and demonstrate the heart of the team!”
This is the second Team IMPACT member to join Steele’s RedHawk team.
“We are excited to have Lance join our Miami basketball family,” said Steele. “He is an inspiration to us all, and I hope that we can bring some joy to his life.”
Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved. Team IMPACT was founded in 2011 and is known for its core values of empathy, camaraderie, resilience, boldness and champion.
To learn more about Team IMPACT, please visit teamimpact.org.