Volleyball Team Hosts 'Dig for Cure'

October 19, 2007

Tulane athletics staff
newwave@tulane.edu

First-year player Amaris Genemaras shows her technique for the Tulane volleyball team. (Photo by Dave Browning)

The Tulane volleyball team is joining with college volleyball teams around the country to sponsor a Dig for the Cure event on Sunday (Oct. 21) during the Green Wave’s match against the University of Southern Mississippi.

Scheduled for 1 p.m. in Fogelman Arena, the event is part of a nationwide initiative featuring a pledge for each dig recorded by the Green Wave during the match to promote Breast Cancer Awareness month throughout October.

Fans and businesses can pledge funds to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization for each Tulane dig in the match and can also show their support by joining Tulane in wearing pink shirts and ribbons. Tulane will warm up in pink, and pink Tulane gear will be available for purchase, with proceeds being donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“Dig for the Cure is a great cause, and I am pleased that Tulane is a part of it,” said Liz Kritza, Tulane head volleyball coach. “Anything that helps others and encourages student-athletes to be civic-minded is a worthwhile endeavor. With the help of our wonderful fan base, I am sure we make a positive impact."

The Green Wave will be joined on the bench by honorary coach Jeannette Vicknair, a cancer survivor whose daughter, Lacey, played for the Green Wave volleyball team in the 2000 season after a four-year career on the Tulane women’s basketball team. Jeannette Vicknair’s son-in-law is assistant volleyball coach Sinisa Momic.

The Dig for the Cure program was established in 2003 by Lisa Marston, the head volleyball coach of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, a charter member of Conference USA like Tulane. Marston’s mother is a breast cancer survivor and one of many from around the world that Marston hopes to honor through the program.

Through the Dig for the Cure program, volleyball teams and coaches from around the country have helped raise more than $108,000 over the last four years, which was donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. All money raised goes directly to the local Susan G. Komen for the Cure affiliate nearest to each school.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, it is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers. Together with its affiliate network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised more than $740 million for the fight against breast cancer.

For more information, call the National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline at 800-I’M-AWARE, 800-462-9273.