MASYN SZCZEPANEK SIGNING DAY VIDEO

The Calvin University football team celebrated National Signing Day Wednesday afternoon inside its team locker room. It did so by officially welcoming one of its own.

Masyn Szczepanek, a high school freshman from Cedar Springs, Michigan, officially inked his signature with the Calvin football program in front of a cheering group of Knights. A home school student, Szczepanek is no stranger to the Knights as he has served as a volunteer with the team since last April.

Szczepanek was matched to the Calvin football team last spring through Team Impact, a national charitable organization that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved.

Szczepanek, who lives with a long term disability, began assisting the Calvin football team during spring practices last year and continued his work through fall camp and the 2025 season. Whether it was shagging balls, playing catch or encouraging the team members, he has become a part of the daily fabric of the Calvin University football program.

On Wednesday, he signed celebratory papers in front of his parents Zach and Theresa and sister Dylan that made him an official part of the Calvin football program.

"I'm pretty excited," said Masyn Szczepanek. "I've never been a part of a football team before so to be a part of Calvin football is pretty awesome. The thing I like most about the sport is watching the guys go out there to play as hard as they can every game."

His parents are thrilled to see their son find community with the Calvin football program. "It's been pretty amazing," said Theresa Szcezepanek. "It's a great group of guys. They are really respectful to a young teenager. They are just so nice and wonderful to him. We are very appreciative of everything."

"This is awesome. We are very grateful for Calvin and Coach (Trent) Figg for everything they have done," said Zach Szczepanek. "I'm glad to see Masyn become a part of the team. It means a lot."

Now in his fourth year at Calvin University as head football coach, Figg had a big smile after watching Wednesday's ceremony. The event cemented what has become an uplifting relationship for both the Szczepanek family and his Knights. "Masyn is an incredible young man!" said Figg. "We have been so blessed by having him and his family around our program. Today is a special day to make him an official member of our team! I am excited to have him with us for many years to come."