GNAC Softball Programs Raise Over $5,000 for Coaches vs. Cancer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WINTHROP, Mass. – Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) softball programs collectively raised $5,059 last spring for the Coaches vs. Cancer program, which empowers coaches, their teams, and communities to join the fight against cancer by participating in awareness efforts, advocacy programs, and fundraising activities. 

"I'd like to wish a huge thank you to all of your schools and coaches for their great support of our organization," said Greg McKeever, Community Manager for the American Cancer Society's New England Division, in an e-mail to GNAC Commissioner Joe Walsh and GNAC softball sport chair Kristy Walter.

Guided by the Coaches vs. Cancer Council, participating coaches help people with cancer today and to find cures to end the disease tomorrow, and have raised more than $87 million to help the American Cancer Society's mission.

Suffolk University head coach Jaclyn Davis and Simmons College head coach Anne Forsythe began working with Coaches vs. Cancer during the 2013 season and helped bring it to the GNAC in 2014 and 2015.

"I would say that it's a really great cause and something that we are proud to be a part of," said Davis, who enters her fourth year with the Rams in the spring. "Unfortunately, we all know someone that has been affected by some form of cancer and this is just a small way to show our support for finding a cure."

"The team at Coaches vs. Cancer has been wonderful to work with and have helped foster new ideas each season," added Davis. "They are very flexible in making all of this possible and have allowed us to decide where we want the raised funds to go. Some of us have chosen general cancer research and others have a specific kind of cancer that they would like to see supported directly."

The Emmanuel College softball program was tops among GNAC programs with nearly $2,300 raised for Coaches vs. Cancer.

"The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a chance for us to reach out to family, friends, past teammates and coaches to help raise money for a cause that is near and dear to everyone," said Emmanuel softball senior Kerrianne Vulpis. "Getting to run out on the field every inning and play for someone that is fighting cancer is truly an honor."

"I could not be more proud and pleased with the efforts of the EC softball team and the GNAC in embracing and supporting this very important initiative," said Emmanuel head coach Rob Spofford. 

"I think the program gives student-athletes a bit of ownership over what we are trying to accomplish," added Davis. "As a coach, one of my proudest moments each year is watching my team take ownership of the Coaches vs. Cancer day and to play for something bigger than themselves. It's always a very emotional, powerful day and one that we hope to continue each year."

Founded in 1995, the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) is an NCAA Division III association made up of 12 member institutions, 12 associate member institutions, and over 3,000 student-athletes across the New England region. Each year, the GNAC sponsors and administers 17 championships, while balancing academic integrity, athletic opportunities and community involvement. 

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