BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Though the season does not begin until February, the LIU Brooklyn women's lacrosse team has had a busy fall, participating in numerous philanthropic activities. The team is taking part in number of tournaments that combine competition and community service, letting the Blackbirds play with a purpose before the 2015 season starts.
"It has been great to see this group take an active interest in philanthropy," LIU Brooklyn head coach Allison Nuzzi said "The girls on the team understand that there is a world outside of lacrosse and that we are fortunate to play the sport we love every day."
For the third straight year, the Blackbirds participated in the Nick Colleluori Women's Classic, held at Hofstra University, to raise money and awareness for the HEADstrong Foundation. In addition to wearing Laces for Lymphoma™ during the games to show support for the cause, the Blackbirds sold awareness t-shirts on campus to help contribute to the fundraising total.
The Foundation was started in honor of Nick Colleluori, a member of the Hofstra lacrosse team who lost his battle with blood cancer on November 28, 2006. The HEADstrong Foundation's mission is to improve quality of life for those affected by blood cancers and supporting those working to eliminate the diseases.
LIU Brooklyn joined 14 other teams at Hofstra on September 27, to play in three games at the event. Senior Brittany Rader received the Nicholas Colleluori Award for LIU, given to annually to a player from each participating team whose contributions both on and off the field are transforming the landscape of their represented program.
Rader said the tournament gave the team some insight to the upcoming season, in addition to contributing to the cause.
"I always love the HEADstrong tournament because we finally get to compete against other teams and showcase all the things we have been working on at practice every day, while playing for a great cause," Rader said. "There were many successes throughout the day that gave a glimpse of the potential and talent on this team. I am definitely proud of our successes this weekend and I think that they will serve as motivation to keep improving and working hard every day for our coaches and each other."
On Saturday, Oct. 18, LIU Brooklyn will also participate in the Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation Fall Ball Shoot Out in Horsham, Pa. along with host Marist, Wagner and Liberty.
Edward Coombs was a rising sophomore and honor student at Marist College and played varsity lacrosse. He lost his life while a passenger in a tragic car accident in August of 2011.
The ETC Foundation was established with the intent of providing outstanding scholar-athletes financial assistance to pursue their higher education goals, so that they can reach their full potential. The scholarships will support visionary leaders of tomorrow who display exceptional promise today.
Nuzzi said the Blackbirds will continue with their philanthropic efforts as the year continues, including the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk this Sunday.
"I am proud of them for getting involved in raising awareness for such worthy causes and look forward to more community service events throughout the year," Nuzzi said.