The Lady Knights participated and raised about $4,900 for the 2010 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of San Diego that took place on Oct. 17.

This is the fourth year that the athletic department has come together to participate in the annual event; however, this year was their highest in fundraising. Their goal had been set at $2,500.

According to Academic Counselor and team captain Jennifer Aase the ladies were asked to raise $25 each but through large and small donations alike, the team was able to almost double their original goal.

Although no one in the women’s athletic department is known to have been personally diagnosed, “Almost everyone has been affected by breast cancer, whether a family member or friend has been diagnosed with it, so it is easy to understand the importance of continued research in the area and educating people about early detection,” said Andi Milburn, head women’s soccer coach.

Along with raising money for the American Cancer Society, participating in the walk enables the ladies to build “camaraderie as the entire athletic department,” said Athletics Director and breast cancer walk team captain Kathy McGinnis.
Like every year, the Lady Knights gathered for a lock-in event the night prior to the walk.

This year, the women gathered in the Golden Gymnasium to watch a movie and play team building activities as a way to “cross team lines,” stated Aase as a way to get to know one another regardless of which athletic events they participate in at the college.

McGinnis said each of the athletics coaches strives to participate in community outreach activities, but this one in particular is a way to unite the overall spirit of the athletics department.

Milburn said, “The best part about being a captain is that I feel like I am doing something to make a difference … in the lives of the people that will benefit from the money raised.”