Hayley George, Reporter
@hayleygcourant1
“We not me” has long been the motto that the girls’ volleyball team repeats throughout the entirety of their season, but in the past five years the “we” has expanded to beyond just the team.
Beginning five years ago, Kevin Marino introduced the Dig Pink foundation to NCHS. Dig Pink Side-Out is a foundation that not only funds, but also does research for metastatic breast cancer. Mr. Marino had previously worked with Dig Pink at a different school, and decided he wanted to continue his partnership with them when he started to work at NCHS. Former student, Alexandra Gillespe decided to take the reins as lead organizer due to her mom’s history with breast cancer.
After Alexandra graduated, sophomore Alex Steinberg took over the organization. “A very important person in my life had breast cancer, and I was there for the struggle through it so when I play I always play for them,” Alex said.
The Dig-Pink Side out game allows the team to connect to those that have had or struggle with cancer. “Many of us have had loved ones or people we know who have been affected by it, and the possibility to help them through it really motivates us all,” Alex said. The personal connection for the players gives them extra motivation to play well. “When I think about this event and how my playing could help raise money for people in the same situation, I always feel more determined to play my best.”
Along with raising awareness and funds for breast cancer, the Dig Pink volleyball game also strengthens team unity between the players. “When playing for a cause we all have one common goal that we are working towards,” Captain Kat Roth said. “It allows for more cohesive movement and for all of us to be on the same page.”
The game allows the team to push aside previous challenges and focus on the more important cause in front of them. “We take a moment to reflect on the cause,” Kat said. “It really just gives us a bigger idea of not just winning for FCIACS or winning for states, but having a different and deeper meaning to playing.”
The volleyball team has been selling candy bags around school during lunch, as well as holding a stand where people can donate to breast cancer awareness. “We put a lot into the event because it was such a personal connection to one of our teammates and her mom,” Kat said.
On the day of the game, the team steps into a new perspective and no longer plays for themselves. “We usually have intentions on the day of the Dig Pink. We all dedicate who we are playing for: someone that is special to us or someone that we know has cancer or just anyone in general who we want to personally dedicate the game to,” Kat said.
“Playing for a cause could motivate any player, but with our team bond and drive to help others we are always determined to play our best on the day of Dig Pink,” Alex added.
