On Saturday, Sept. 23, the men’s soccer team hosted a special Signing Day ceremony to honor a local boy. 

Landon Ward is an 11-year-old from Kingsport, Tennessee, born with spina bifida. Although he has survived 10 surgeries, his condition leaves him unable to run, jump or participate in activities like other children can.  

“Landon has learned to walk, lost the ability to walk, learned to walk again and spent many nights in NICUs and PICUs from Johnson City to Nashville to Atlanta,” said Jason Ward, Landon’s father.

Photo of Landon Ward and his family. (Contributed/ETSU Athletics)

Regardless, Landon loves sports and has earned the opportunity to work with the men’s soccer program through their partnership with Team Impact. 

Team Impact is a non-profit organization that partners children with disabilities between the ages of 5 and 16 with college sports teams where they create a ‘game plan’ together and support these children and their families.  

Landon has joined the Bucs at practices and games, cheering them on this season. 

“The most recent game he came to caught us all off guard. We were at Presbyterian, which was three hours away, and Landon came just before kickoff and gave us a massive lift in the game,” said head coach David Lilly. 

Landon was honored at this Signing Day ceremony by becoming an official member of the ETSU Buccaneer men’s soccer program and being given his own jersey. Landon Ward, jersey number 40, is a treasured team member and a fellow Buccaneer.

Photo of Landon Ward with Bucky and his soccer teammates. (Contributed/ETSU Athletics)

“He’s shown us to be grateful for what we have got, the opportunities, the people we get to spend it with, and also to meet battles and adversaries head-on, which is what he’s done in his life. He’s shown great courage and great determination to rise above the challenges presented to him,” shared Lilly.

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