By Alana Pelosi , Sports Editor
When the Headstrong Foundation and Hofstra came together and decided to hold the first Nick Collelouri Women’s Lacrosse Classic at James M. Shuart Stadium, the field where the Collelouri brothers played, their goal was to gain awareness for the foundation and funds for blood cancer research.
Not only was the tournament a success, but despite the free admission the foundation was able to raise $32,000 for research. Hofstra senior Courtney O’Connor was very happy with how the tournament turned out and what the 12 teams participating were able to experience. “The tournament was definitely a complete success,” said O’Connor, “I am glad that the other teams and fans were able to hear Mrs. Colleluori’s speech about Nick and the cause because it touched everyone’s hearts.”
Cheryl Collelouri, Nick’s mother and the president of the Headstrong Foundation had one main message to the athletes; she wanted them to spread her son’s story, and in turn spread awareness of lymphoma. By the look of the athletes’ cleats, the spreading had already begun. Maryann Miller, who was unable to play in the tournament after a recent surgery to repair a torn ACL, was happy to be there and said “It was awesome to see all of the teams wearing the line green laces!”
Miller, who had an impact year as a freshman and is not happy with being sidelined, would have loved to played in one of the four game the Pride to part in. Against UConn, UMass, NYAC and the post-grad team, Lady Lizards, the Pride ended up going 4-0 and looked great for being in fall season form.
“I am starting to get used to my new role on the team.” Said Miller, “I figured since I can’t be out on the field with the girls I must do my job off the field, which means helping my teammates in every way possible.”
Both O’Connor and Miller had been to the men’s classic in the past and noted a difference that came with the location. Miller, who like the Collelouri brothers attended Ridley High School, remarked that since the first tournament was held at Ridley the entire town was in attendance. This go-round, there was not the same turnout, but it was still respectable. “Compared to fall ball tournaments that we have hosted in the past, Saturday definitely had the best crowd turnout.” Said O’Connor. “It felt great to have more fans especially for such a good cause.”
Both players remarked that the spirit and support for the cause was very much alive. For O’Connor, she sees the tournament as one of the first steps to spreading lymphoma awareness to the women’s game as well. “I think it was a great start and awesome way to spread Nick’s vision to the women’s lacrosse community,” she said.
“It was a gorgeous day for lacrosse and a great way to raise money for the Headstrong Foundation, said Miller. “They were a lot of competitive teams involved and we were all honored to be a part of the first annual Headstrong tournament for women’s lacrosse.”
The Pride in action at the HEADstrong Tournament (Sean M. Gates/ The Chronicle)
