Wingate, N.C.----When Team IMPACT member Rishaan joined the Wingate University men's basketball team in October 2025, little did Bulldog head coach Brian Good know that Rishaan is a gifted artist. In recent days, Rishaan was honored by the Charlotte Hornets organization, who are displaying his painting in the Spectrum Center.
 
Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved. Most Team IMPACT members spend two years with their teammates, meaning Rishaan will be a Bulldog through the 2026-27 season.
 
Meaningful connections
 
According to Rishaan's family, "what makes this artwork especially meaningful is that the inspiration behind it came from his connection with the Wingate Bulldogs!"
 
"When Rishaan joined the Wingate team last year, he was on crutches for few weeks, but he didn't want to miss the Bulldogs' home games. Even during a challenging time in his life, being part of the team and experiencing the energy, encouragement and sense of belonging gave him something special to anticipate each week."

"This experience inspired his artwork — a galaxy filled with stars, each representing hope, dreams and endless possibilities. To Rishaan, those stars symbolize the opportunities he sees ahead of him and his own hope of continuing to shine, no matter what challenges come his way."
 
Meaningful opportunities
 
When asked why the Team Impact program is important to him and his team, Coach Good says "this program gives our WUMBB student-athletes the chance to realize how fortunate they are to be intercollegiate student-athletes…not everyone gets this chance."
 
"Rishaan is a young man who has been dealt a tough hand," Good says. "This program gives us an opportunity to…make Rishaan feel he belongs to a group."
 
"Through his life with its twists and turns and his many hospital visits…it is tough for this to happen organically," Good adds. "We are honored to have this opportunity to have Rishaan on our team."
 
What They Are Saying about Team IMPACT member Rishaan
Wingate senior point guard Jordan Miller (Rock Hill, S.C.)

"Being part of the Wingate men's basketball team and having the opportunity to build a relationship with our Team IMPACT teammate has impacted me in ways that go beyond basketball. Rishaan's strength, positive attitude and ability to keep pushing through challenges remind me not to take little things in life for granted. Knowing that he is battling cancer puts things into perspective and reminds me that basketball is bigger than wins and losses."
 
"Rishaan has brought our team closer together and has given us an even greater purpose when we step on the court. As much as we hope to inspire and support him, he inspires us every day with his courage and strength. He is more than a member of our team…he is family…and we are proud to stand beside him through it all."

Wingate junior shooting guard Stephen Quinn (Fort Mill, S.C.)
 
"It has been so much fun hanging out with Rishaan for the past year. He has been a huge part of the Wingate men's basketball players' lives ever since we've met him. He comes to most all of our home games, in which we have never lost while he has been in attendance. He also comes to spend time with us off the court."
 
"We play video games, walk around campus and just have meaningful conversations. Rishaan always has a smile on his face and displays nothing but positivity whenever we hang out. I hope that the basketball team has been able to make an impact on his life, but I know for myself, Rishaan has made a huge impact on mine. Rishaan has become like a little brother to me…and I love being able to spend time with him."

Wingate junior forward Darius Carr (Columbia, S.C.)
 
"Rishaan has shown me what it truly means to be a warrior. I've only known Rishaan for about a year now…and every time I see him or hear of him, I am reminded of his relentless, determined and shining character. I'm almost certain there are not too many kids who could handle what Rishaan has experienced. Rishaan helps remind us to stay on our toes and to strive no matter what life throws our way. He is the epitome of resilience."
 
Wingate University
 
Wingate University is a lab of difference-making that serves more than 3,600 students in North Carolina and offers 60 degree pathways, including 37 undergraduate majors, 10 pre-professional tracks and five dual-degree programs. Graduate students choose from seven master's and five doctoral programs. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences.
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a leader in healthcare education where nearly one in five undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 30 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award the past 18 times it has been awarded. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.
 
OneDog, #OneDog, and One Day One Dog are registered trademarks of Wingate University.