WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Partnering with Team IMPACT, the University of Hartford men's basketball team welcomes four-year old Gavin Morris as its newest member. Following his signing date, which is slated for September, Gavin will officially become a member of the Hawks' men's basketball squad.

"On behalf of Gavin, and his parents, we could not be more thrilled to take part in this program and this journey," exclaimed Lindsay Morris, Gavin's mother, in a letter to the team. "He is a fun little kid and I think taking part in something like this will make him feel very special. We as a family also love sports – including basketball – and we cannot wait to cheer you guys on to a winning season."

Gavin, who lives in Manchester, was partnered with the Hartford men's basketball team through Team IMPACT, a Massachusetts-based program that pairs children with life threatening illnesses or life-altering chronic conditions with college athletic teams. Earlier this year, Gavin was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), a cancer of the white blood cells. After starting inpatient treatment upon diagnosis, Gavin now goes to the hospital weekly for chemotherapy and blood work and will continue to do so for two more years.

"We spend most of our energy trying to recruit talented players who have high character," commented fifth-year head coach John Gallagher in a letter to Gavin and his family. "Little did I know that such a star was working on his game right under our noses in Manchester!"

Both the Hartford baseball and men's soccer teams are also part of Team IMPACT. Thomas Hastings, a seven-year old baseball enthusiast with muscular dystrophy, officially became a member of the Hawks' baseball team in fall 2013 when he signed his letter of intent. Bryson Kelly, a 10-year old from Rocky Hill who has mitochondrial disorder, was paired up with Hartford's men's soccer team last August.

In another letter to the Morris family, Taylor Dyson, a rising junior guard, commented "I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to have Gavin join our group. I have no doubt he will fit in right away. We admire the strength and toughness of Gavin and as much as we expect him to learn a thing or two from us, it will be the team that will also learn a lot from him."

For more updates about the Hawks' men's basketball team's partnership with Gavin Morris, be sure to follow the team on Twitter (@UHartMensHoops), Facebook (/UHartMensHoops) and on Instagram (@UHartMensHoops).