By Christopher McLaughlin

The CCSU Volleyball team joined the efforts to raise breast cancer awareness by hosting the Dig Pink Rally while at home against the Quinnipiac Bobcats on Oct. 23.

Dig Pink is a breast cancer awareness rally that takes place nation-wide during the Breast Cancer awareness month of October. Both high school and college volleyball teams participate in the rally.

The event is sponsored by the Side-Out Foundation, which was founded in 2004 in an attempt to unite volleyball players and coaches all over America to spread Breast Cancer awareness, education and patient services.

Dig Pink is the trademark name used by the Side-Out Foundation for all of their fundraising events. The proceeds of the event are donated to medical research organizations and organizations dedicated to providing compassionate care to breast cancer patients and their families.

Over 1,000 volleyball teams participate in the event, which includes over 200 colleges and 500 high schools. Each year more and more support is gained for the Side-Out Foundation, allowing them to increase their efforts, and reach their goals of raising funds for research and support for breast cancer.

Each year the NEC Volleyball teams vote for which school hosts the event. CCSU hosted the event two years ago, and received the votes to allow them to host it again this year. The rally was led by Associate Athletic Director Amy Strickland who worked hard to make everything possible.

“I worked a lot with Coach Sagnelli, and together we were able to come up with some ideas to make this day special,” said Strickland.
In addition to raising money for the cause, Strickland and Sagnelli came up with several other ways to make this event fun. Pink water bottles, bracelets, and ribbons were given out during the event. Strickland designed a web page to help promote the cause and provide information.

She also sent out newsletters to high schools inviting them to come to the rally. Strickland also partnered with the CCSU Women’s Center to further spread the cause.

“We worked hard to promote this event. The Women’s Center was happy to get involved and help out. It’s great that it really worked out well for us,” said Strickland.

To help honor the event, both teams wore special pink jerseys while playing. “It was a wonderful event,” said volleyball Head Coach Linda Sagnelli, who was also sporting pink. “We are so pleased to be able to help out and raise money and spread awareness. The event is held throughout the country and it’s a wonderful opportunity to host this event for such a great cause.”

Since this was a special event for CCSU, all of the athletic teams came to show support and help cheer on the Blue Devils.

“This was a big event and we had a great turnout not only from family and friends but from the other teams as well. All of them were here and it’s great to see the student athletes show their support the way they did,” said Strickland.

While the Dig Pink Rally is held every year, it only takes place at one school per division. The program will not be held at CCSU next year but that doesn’t mean that CCSU won’t continue their support.

“We will have it back in two years but we are planning to do something special next year. We already have the support of the Women’s Center and we are already looking forward to it. It’s fun and easy and for a great cause so we are happy to do it,” says Strickland.

Fans seeking more information about Dig Pink or those looking to donate can visit the website www.digpink.org.