University of Northern Iowa Athletics
UNI soccer signs Kid Captain Hadley Foelske to roster
7/16/2026 12:30:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Jesup, Iowa native joins Panthers’ 2026 and 2027 rosters in partnership with Team IMPACT.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- The UNI soccer team on Thursday announced the signing of Hadley Foelske to the Panther roster for the 2026 and 2027 seasons as the program's Kid Captain.
Foelske joins the UNI soccer roster in partnership with Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit organization that connects children facing serious illness and disabilities with college athletic teams. Through the program, children are "drafted" onto local college sports teams to build lifelong bonds, gain a sense of belonging and experience a supportive community.
"We are incredibly grateful to partner with Team IMPACT and excited to welcome Hadley into our Panther family," said UNI head soccer coach Alex Place Thomas. "This partnership is about so much more than soccer - it's about building meaningful relationships, creating lasting memories and making sure Hadley knows she has an entire team cheering her on.
"Our student-athletes have embraced this opportunity from the very beginning, and we can't wait for Hadley to be part of our daily experiences, traditions, and team culture," Place Thomas added. "We look forward to sharing this journey together and making her feel like a true member of our Panther family!"
A native of Jesup, Iowa, 12-year old Hadley was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after birth, a progressive, inherited genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs. While she has thankfully not face to any major complications, her condition has helped play a crucial role in research studies for advanced medication for cystic fibrosis at the University of Iowa.
The daughter and niece of UNI graduates, Hadley's family have supported Panther Athletics in-person and watched on TV for years with Hadley taking part in youth volleyball and basketball events on the UNI campus.
"Hadley is sweet, kind, compassionate but a sports girl at heart," said Nikki Foelske, Hadley's mother. "This winter she was doing archery, basketball and AAU volleyball all at the same time - she loves to stay busy. She is creative and loves to do crafts along with baking. She is at the same time a girly girl with fashion and skincare. Most importantly she is a fighter and defies what most people would think of a child with this diagnosis."
The Panthers will play two preseason exhibition matches with their Purple and Gold Intrasquad (Aug. 5) and Hawkeye Community College (Aug. 8) before opening the 2026 regular season on Aug. 12 hosting South Dakota at 4 p.m. CT.
UNI women's soccer action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Panther Soccer), X (@UNI_Soccer) and on Instagram (@unipanthersoccer). Schedule and roster information, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
