BOULDER, Colo. — The University of Colorado women's basketball team has consistently been one of the top teams in the entire nation, currently ranked 11th overall, so you wouldn't think they would need to add depth this late in the year. But when Bellamy Korn became an option, it was a no-brainer.
"Bellamy is standing tall at about 3'6". We haven't quite decided if she's going to be a point guard like Kindyll [Wetta] or a post player like Charlotte [Whittaker], but the one thing that we know is Bellamy will be the toughest little lady out there," CU head coach JR Payne said.
Last March, six-year-old Bellamy was diagnosed with Leukemia and her treatment plan has caused her to frequently miss school, limiting her social interactions and keeping her from seeing her friends. However, in December of 2023, Bellamy found a new team when she was introduced to the Buffs and instantly filled that void with friendly players and staff. The team has also given Bellamy's mom and brothers tremendous joy and emotional support.
"They're building her confidence, certainly girl power is a big deal here on this team," her mom Sarah said. "These are superstars, these girls-every single one of them-is amazing and they're such a positive role model for her and for us all."
But Bellamy has also had a profound effect on her new teammates, as well.
"You get so into the every day grind and you feel sorry for yourself for having to go through a three-hour practice or whatever, but you just get some perspective on life and what really matters and what Bellamy's going through, I think is just reminding us all what's important in life," senior shooting guard Frida Formann said.
Coach Payne echoed that sentiment.
"We take everything so seriously in athletics, and it is serious, and it's competitive, and you want to win, but there's so many bigger things going on in the world than a basketball game," she said. "So, to be able to reflect, to be able to be able to see her joy and her little smiles, to see that is really special."
Bellamy, who was accompanied by her mom, Sarah, and three brothers, Caden, Asher and Bode, signed her National Letter of Intent with the entire CU women's basketball team in attendance.
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disability onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience. It ensures everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 3,000 children with 750+ colleges and universities in 50 states, impacting more than 75,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.