Inaugural ‘Pink Out’ Volleyball Game a Success

On a recent October evening, a crowd gathered to cheer on the Sacred Heart Preparatory (SHP) girls’ volleyball program. But it wasn’t an ordinary game. The McGanney Sports Center was transformed with bright pink streamers, ribbons, and balloons, all in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month—a cause close to the girls’ hearts.

 

Led by players Jillian Amaro (SHP ‘24) and Naomi Watson (SHP ‘24), the team’s first “Pink Out” fundraiser supported local nonprofit organization Cancer Support Community (CSC).

 

The pair were drawn to the organization’s mission to provide 100 percent free care, such as counseling, education, nutrition services, and more.

“Naomi and I have both seen firsthand the painful impact of cancer on our families,” Amaro said. “We both lost our grandmothers to cancer, and we wanted to raise awareness but also support cancer patients and their caregivers.”

 

The volleyball program raised funds for the cause by hosting a serve-a-thon a week before the Pink Out game, where family and friends could pledge a donation per serve or give a flat amount.

 

“The entire volleyball program really embraced fundraising for the serve-a-thon; we were so proud to have 100 percent participation across the entire program. Every single player raised funds,” said Watson. “There was amazing energy in the room with all athletes trying to get in as many serves as possible since they knew the impact of their efforts.”

 

“Jillian and Naomi are truly an inspiration,” said Dawn Hemm, SHP girls’ athletic director. “They rallied the entire volleyball program with their heartfelt cause… Our entire athletic department could not be prouder."

Patricia Falconer, a member of the CSC board of directors, agreed. “The girls did an outstanding job inspiring their teammates, families, friends, coaches, and alumni,” said Falconer. “The donations will help CSC support people facing cancer in our community to become healthier, live longer, and live better. Through our incredible collaboration, Jillian and Naomi turned their words into action, ensuring that no one will face cancer alone.” 

Planning two large-scale events meant the girls acquired valuable community organizing skills. Together with their teammates, they made posters, decorated the gym in pink, and baked over 50 pink cupcakes for the event.

 

“We’re also grateful for our very own SHP volleyball alumni for collaborating to design our ‘Pink Out’ T-shirts,” said Watson. “We even got our dean of students Mr. [Lamont] Quattlebaum to wear pink. That’s an endorsement in and of itself!”