Life in the League: Josiah Carel and IU Indianapolis Men's Soccer
Jeffery Green
INDIANAPOLIS (November 13, 2024) – It’s more than just a game, it’s a bond for life.
That is the key message received from talking to players and coaches from the IU Indianapolis Men’s Soccer team about their favorite fan, Josiah Carel. Since the spring, the players have acted as big brothers for Josiah, a nine-year-old boy who has been battling an inoperable low-grade glioma brain tumor since March 2022.
Sports have been a great way for Josiah to escape the daily struggles. With the help of League partner Team IMPACT, a program that connects athletic programs and children with serious illness or disability, Josiah and his mother were connected with the IU Indy team and the team instantly knew they wanted to help out.
“We were sent a little file about him and as soon as we started reading there was excitement we could help this guy,” said sophomore Jago Thompson-Roberts.
Josiah and the team before a match against Butler.
The team and Josiah first got together for the first spring game of the season. They were able to take him around the campus and even play Madden, a favorite event for Josiah and he even beat one of the players.
Redshirt freshman Brady Lombardo especially feels Josiah’s connection. Brady has been dealing with an injury that has kept him off the field, so he has spent a lot of time with Josiah during the games. “Guys like me, I’ve been battling a lot through injuries… having him here and having him be around the team for me personally has been a blessing… always laughing, always smiling it’s contagious. It makes me smile even when I’m having the worst of days,” shared Lombardo.
Josiah getting ready for a placekick during practice.
The connection with Josiah and the team extends beyond the pitch to activities in the community, like going bowling or to the zoo. These outings mean the most to Josiah’s mom Chrissy.
Joaiah with Coach Max Guidy and players Jago Thompson-Roberts and Cameron Maung Maung playing mini-golf.
Josiah, Chrissy, Jago, and Max at an Indianapolis Fever game over the summer.
Josiah officially became part of the team back in August. Team IMPACT and IU Indianapolis hosted a signing day for Josiah.
“The match between [IU Indianapolis] men’s soccer and Josiah is a wonderful example of what Team IMPACT is all about… His teammates have done an incredible job including him on and off the field… Their friendship and budding camaraderie provide a necessary sense of normalcy for Josiah, which is part of our goal for every child involved.” commented Jenna Camann from Team IMPACT.
Team IMPACT and IU Indianapolis put together a signing day for Josiah in August.
Through all of Josiah’s hardships, he always has a big smile on his face. You cannot find a more contagious smile in all of Indiana! He is a bright life to everyone around him.
“Seeing him smile and enjoy his time with the guys when he is with us is a reminder of what really matters in life. I know the staff and players are excited every time we get to see Josiah and spend time with him,” added IU Indianapolis Men’s Soccer Head Coach Sid Van Druenen.
All smiles as Josiah plays around with the team.
If you would like to follow along with Josiah’s story and learn how to support, check out Chrissy’s Facebook page @Chrissy Carel or search #JosiahStrong.