The Online Reflector

The University of Indianapolis community painted Nicoson Hall pink on Feb. 19, as the Lady ‘Hounds participated in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Pink Zone ™ initiative. The program aims to raise money for breast cancer research.
The event occurred during the team’s 77-68 win over Kentucky Wesleyan College. The UIndy Athletic Department and students enrolled in the Administration of Athletics course hosted the event.

“Last year, our game at Bellarmine [University] was designated as their Pink Zone game,” said LeAnn Freeland, women’s basketball head coach. “It was such an impressive event that our players asked if we could have our own event this season.”

Senior Associate Director of Athletics Lynn Griffin used a class project in her Administration of Athletics course to plan, promote and coordinate the event. Junior Travis Ponto, who participated in the public relations aspect of the event, said he felt that many students could relate to the cause.

“[Breast cancer awareness] is one cause that truly hits home for me,” Ponto said. “Not only does it hit home for me, but it is safe to say that every student knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer in some way. Giving back just seems natural to me.”

To participate in the Pink Zone ™ initiative, the women’s basketball team, the UIndy cheerleaders and the dance team all wore special pink uniforms. Pink Zone ™ T-shirts were sold to the student body throughout the week prior to the game, and the entire Administration in Athletics class wore these shirts. Also, pink breast cancer awareness ribbons were passed out to members of the crowd. Several high school girls’ basketball teams attended the game, all wearing pink to help promote the cause.

Cheerleaders participated in a Jump-A-Thon, and Lady ‘Hounds collected money from sponsors for each three-pointer they made. As of The Reflector’s press time, the amount of funds raised at the event was not completely tallied. All money raised goes directly to breast cancer research.

“All the money we raised will go to the Susan B. Komen Fund, and 90 percent of that money will stay in the city,” Ponto said.
The WBCA started the Pink Zone ™ initiative in 2007 to help raise breast cancer awareness on campuses and in communities through women’s basketball. According to the WBCA Web site (wbca.org), last year 1,200 teams participated in the program, reaching 830,000 fans and raising more than $930,000 for breast cancer research. This year was UIndy’s first time to participate in the Pink Zone ™ program at a home game.

“We have decided to make this a yearly event,” Freeland said. “It is our goal to raise breast cancer awareness in our UIndy community, and raise more money to help Susan B. Komen Indy in their cause to find a cure for breast cancer.”