Volleyball team promotes breast cancer awareness

Falcon Volleyball players are asking fans to show up to their game on Oct. 3 wearing pink to promote awareness for breast cancer.

“Think Pink” is an event hosted by the women’s volleyball team that involves volleyball teams across WIAC teaming up to raise money and awareness for the Madison Area Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The team’s “Think Pink” event is in its second year. Last year, Falcon volleyball players raised approximately $4,000 for the foundation. 

Each volleyball player has a collection goal of $500. Donations can be a flat donation or a pledge for each “dig” the Falcons collect throughout the match. A dig is a way of passing the volleyball back from a down low position, and is used to prevent someone’s spike from hitting the ground.

“The Falcons are honored to have the opportunity to partner with all the WIAC institutions and the Susan G. Komen Foundation to raise awareness for breast cancer,” Patti Ford, head volleyball coach, said.

Senior volleyball player Gina DeRosa said she thinks “Think Pink” is a great event because she experienced a family member who has been affected by breast cancer, and feels this is a great way to raise awareness and money. 

“My grandma is a breast cancer survivor and was able to come to the game last year, which was really special,” she said.

Andria Vetsch, also a senior on the team, said the event was a big success last year and is looking forward to it again this year. 

“[This game is] special because my teammates and I have worked so hard to promote the event and raise awareness for a disease that affects many people we know,” Vetsch said. 

Jack Dunn, a student at UW-River Falls, said he hopes to attend the event. 

“I would like to go,” he said. “I love volleyball and think it is a great way to raise money for the cause.”

The game had a great attendance last year, and they are hoping for similar numbers this year, Ford said.

The Falcons will wear pink warm-up shirts, pink shoelaces, and pink ribbons during the match. “Think Pink” t-shirts will be for sale and all proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, but the first 100 fans through the door wearing pink will receive one for free.

“Last year some fans were dressed entirely in pink,” DeRosa said. “It was fun to see people get really into it to show their support.”