Pink decorations and attire filled the stands at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex on Sunday, Feb. 22, when the Hofstra University women’s basketball team dedicated their game against UNC-Wilmington to raising awareness about and honoring survivors of breast cancer.
The game showcased more than just basketball; it displayed support for people who are affected by cancer and the organizations working to support them. Students, players, fans, supporters and survivors attended the event to support the cause.
It was a topic that hit especially close to home for Hofstra’s women’s basketball program since assistant coach Keila Whittington is a four-year breast cancer survivor.
The Pride partnered with the World of Pink Foundation, a nonprofit focused on providing comprehensive aftercare for women recovering from breast surgery. They offer top-quality bras, custom breast prostheses and lymphedema garments at no cost for uninsured or underinsured women, among other things.
The event also teamed up with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, a nationwide nonprofit organization established in honor of Hall of Famer Kay Yow, who spent more than two decades battling cancer. Yow was head coach of North Carolina State University from 1975 to 2009. The funds go to teams, coaches, players and fans through initiatives and events that are held across the country, celebrating survivors and the fight against all cancers affecting women. Since its founding, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded millions of dollars in grants for research, education, screening access and programs that serve overlooked communities.
During breaks in play, in-game announcer Justin Manning spoke about the causes of cancer and encouraged attendees to donate using QR codes displayed on the jumbotron.
Hofstra invited survivors and their family members to wear pink hoodies on the court to be recognized and celebrated. The Pride players showed support by wearing pink shoes and Hofstra’s cheer and dance teams carried pink pom-poms instead of their usual blue and white.
For students, the awareness was a touching addition to the game. Hofstra Athletics made the event even more engaging by organizing a giveaway of pink Hofstra hoodies for the first 15 fans who attended the game.
“I try to go to all the women’s basketball games that I can because I’m close to some of the players,” said Michael Hilliker, a sophomore physics and math double major. “We heard about the giveaway first, but once we knew it was for breast cancer awareness, it made it even more meaningful.”
Natalie Laclede, a sophomore English major, added that the event’s focus on the awareness of women’s breast cancer stood out to her.
“They’re doing a great job,” Laclede said. “It’s just really nice of them to put something like this together.”
Local Hofstra alumni attended the event and shared their thoughts. Dan Savarino, a Hofstra alumnus who graduated in 2015 and is now a staff member in the Hofstra sports media department, emphasized Hofstra Athletics’ continued support.
“I’ve always loved this annual game,” Savarino said. “It’s great to see everyone wearing the pink shoes and jerseys. Like many people, I have a personal connection through my family, so it’s great to see how Hofstra women’s basketball supports the cause.”
The event provided a space to honor not only survivors, but also the broader community affected by cancer, reminding attendees that awareness, support and unity go far beyond the final score.
