(YSCC) - The Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) is proud to recognize individuals, teams, or institutions for their outstanding dedication and service during the 2018-19 academic season. 

YSCC COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD - University of Maine at Augusta Men's and Women's Basketball Teams

For the past two years, the University of Maine at Augusta men's and women's basketball teams have been working with an organization that matches up children who are facing life-threatening illnesses with athletic teams. 

Team Impact is a non-profit that harnesses the power of teamwork by matching these courageous kids with college athletic teams. Emma and Carter Blanche, a brother and sister with cystic fibrosis, have been a part of the Moose family since August 2017. This past year, the Blanche kids enjoyed social outing with the team including laser tag, Easter egg hunt, and bowling, as well as been a staple at our home basketball games; sitting on the bench, heading the tunnel during starting line ups, and practicing their skills on the sideline. Some of the student-athletes participated in a walk for cystic fibrosis awareness this past year. More than just attending events with UMA's teams, the players have created an incredible bond with these kids. The student-athletes have welcomed them into the Moose family and have made them feel extremely included. 

The basketball teams have involved them in every aspect of their experience as student-athletes. One student-athlete wrote a term paper focused on cystic fibrosis as an opportunity to learn more about what Emma and Carter face each day. The student-athletes have really taken this opportunity to give back to these local children. The UMA basketball program's intention in taking part in this program was to give back and help create an incredible experience for these young children. They could not have begun to understand the impact they would have on UMA's student-athletes, athletic staff, and coaches. 

"Team Impact has been an eye-opening experience that I'll never forget," said Noah Thompson, men's basketball team captain. "Being able to see smiles on Emma and Carters faces made everything worth it for me." 

Learn more about the Team IMPACT program at goteamimpact.org. 

YSCC SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD - NHTI Women's Soccer Team

NHTI women's soccer has been a perennial contender in the Yankee Small College Conference while playing with a high level of passion and integrity. Last season the Lynx went unbeaten in conference play while only being issued one yellow card in a non-conference game. The NHTI women's soccer team prides itself on sportsmanship while competing at the highest level. 

YSCC DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD - SMCC's Sky Friedland-Farley

Friedland-Farley two-year member of the game management staff at SMCC and one of its most loyal members. Friedland-Farley serves as the official statistician of all sports offerings at the college (including numerous away contests) as well as the men's basketball team manager. Also, Sky has worked for Great Bay Community College, the University of Maine at Augusta, and Central Maine Community College to provide live stats for baseball and men's and women's basketball contests. Sky served in this role at the 2019 YSCC Basketball Championships hosted by CMCC. 

Congratulations to all the 2018-19 YSCC Distinguished Award winners. 

2018-19 YSCC Distinguished Award Winners