Sticks up for cancer by: Sasha Kezhaya & phil prost
SUPPORTING THE GOAL | Following a family member’s battle with cancer, parent Kevin Kaslatas shows support by attending the field hockey game. “My mother in law was diagnosed with cancer and actually is in remission now,” Kaslatas said. “So that's a very good thing for her and we just had a history throughout the family. It's something near and dear, and we wanted to come out and support, and [my daughter] is supporting that too with her play.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Sasha Kezhaya
CHASING FIELD GLORY | The recent rivalry game against South, also serving as a cancer awareness event on Sep. 24 created enthusiasm for the team, especially for athletic director Jim Ellis who believes with the fundraising, it created a new purpose for the event. “I think it’s good to give back to the community,” Ellis said. “It’s a big game as it is and it’s a rivalry, but to have a purpose—it’s not about North vs. South, now you’re helping others in different ways, to benefit through charity.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Phil Prost
PASSING THE BALL | Highlighting the core values of field hockey, senior captain Cara Kaslatas, emphasizes that friendship and teamwork are what truly bring her team together, both on and off field during the cancer awareness game. “We all love each other and we all have so much fun together,” Kaslatas said. “We all have our inside jokes, and throughout the years of playing, we've really come together and created a sort of bond on the field.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Phil Prost
PLAYING WITH HEART | Despite the weight of the topic, sophomore player Bella McKeown reflects on her family's experiences with cancer and raises awareness for the seriousness of the disease. “A lot of people in my family from both sides have had cancer,” McKeown said. “My mom had cancer when she was 12. So, I just want people to be more informed of it, because some people take it in a jokingly matter.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Phil Prost
STICKING TO THE PLAY | With new players being introduced onto the team, assistant varsity coach Tom Justice highlights the team’s effort and resilience ending with a 3-0 game, South winning. “We were right there with South, I was super proud of the way the girls played, super competitive,” Justice said. “We didn't give up, it was a 2-0 game until all the way up until the end.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Phil Prost