Cheyenne Dyess, an 11-year-old Peyton, Colo., resident who is battling t-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, signed a 'national letter of intent' with the Colorado College women's lacrosse team on Monday, Feb. 22.

Dyess was joined by her parents, Amy and Levi, at the signing ceremony and press conference which was held in CC's El Pomar Sports Center.

A fifth grader at Pikes Peak School of Expeditionary Learning in Falcon, Cheyenne also is a national ambassador for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

"I am looking forward to all the memories I'll make with the team," Dyess said. "It's been fun to be with the team as an outlet for me."

CC was represented by head coach Susan Stuart and senior goaltender Martha Stuart, who serves as one of the team's liaisons with Team IMPACT, which pairs college sports teams with local children who are fighting a serious illness.

"Cheyenne embodies the three main qualities we demand from our players," Stuart said. "She is fierce, strong and loyal. Cheyenne has shown grace in her own fight, and at the same time she has fought for others in her role as a spokesperson for St. Baldrick's. Her positive outlook has made a huge impact with our team."

Team IMPACT's mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.

"It's a win-win situation for Cheyenne and our team," Smith said. "She brings a lot of positive energy and always has the biggest, brightest smile on her face. It's really inspiring for us because of what she has gone through. At the same time, we get to teach Cheyenne the sport we love."

Established in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 880 children with collegiate teams at 362 institutions in 45 states, improving the quality of life of hundreds of courageous children and touching the lives of more than 20,000 student athletes.

For more information on Team Impact: http://www.goteamimpact.org/.