Bentley Barber connects with players, coaches through Team Impact program

LEXINGTON, Ky. — On the same floor where the Transylvania Pioneers men's basketball team practices and plays, the team Monday signed its newest recruit: a 7-year-old from Lexington with big dreams. 

Bentley Barber was matched with the Pioneers by Team Impact, a national organization that connects children battling serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams.

At Monday afternoon's draft day ceremony, Brantley signed a letter of intent, making him officially a Pioneer. His involvement with the team includes attending some practices, games, and interacting with players. He's the first young player to sign with Transylvania Athletics through Team Impact. 

Based in Quincy, Massachusetts, Team Impact connects children and colleges to foster positive relationships for all those participating. According to the Team Impact website, "The program is not 'one size fits all;' it's tailored to each child's individual needs. A child does not need to play (or love) sports to be involved in the program; the benefits are directly tied to healthy social and emotional development."

Among those welcoming Bentley at today's event was Brian Lane, who is in his 19th season as head coach of the Transylvania men's basketball team. Also in attendance were Bentley's new teammates, who racked up a win over Defiance College this past weekend and head to Indiana to take on the Hanover College Panthers this Wednesday.