Lacey Athletes Rally to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

As October is traditionally used to raise awareness of breast cancer, the sports teams at decided to get involved in any way they could to support the cause. The first team to get the figurative ball rolling was the girls field hockey team.

“The team had a great idea to spread the awareness of October being Breast Cancer awareness month,” said Lacey parent Liz Santoro. “The girls ordered T-shirts that read 'Shoot for the Cure' and wore them to school every Friday, with pink and white bows they made for their hair. They also purchased pink and white socks to wear during every game in the month of October,” Santoro added.

In addition, the members of the field hockey team purchased extra T-shirts and sold them, earning a $300 profit in the process. “They decided to donate the money to the Susan G. Komen Foundation,” Santoro said. The Susan G. Komen Foundation is the most widely-known and supported organization for the fight against breast cancer in the United States. 

The enthusiasm shown by the girls field hockey team inspired the other sports squads at the high school to get involved as well, causing the positive efforts to “spread through the high school like wildfire”, according to Santoro. 

“My field hockey team wanted to make it a priority to be aware and involved. Along with my players, we decided to have shirts personalized and wear pink and white tie-dye socks. They also made pink ribbons to go along with the theme,” said coach Aimee Del Vento. “I decided to offer the T-shirt option to all of the female teams, and all fall female teams participated: field hockey, gymnastics, soccer, tennis, volleyball and the cheerleaders.”

Del Vento pointed out that along with the school teams and cheerleaders, there were many other coaches and faculty members that participated in the T-shirt campaign.

“Other teams ordered and are wearing the T-shirts, the boys soccer team got Mohawk haircuts and dyed the center pink to show their support. The football team has added pink tape to their cleats. I have to say we are amazed at how the girls took on this cause,” Santoro said. “Not only have the girls bonded and started playing better field hockey, but it brought an entire school together to show support for a great organization.”