Medway High School Athletes Unite for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Raising Over $10,000

Medway, MA – Throughout October, Medway High School student-athletes turned their passion for sports into meaningful community impact, hosting a series of fundraising events in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Through their annual Kick Out Cancer, Stick it to Cancer, and Dig Pink games, the school’s soccer, field hockey, and volleyball programs came together to raise awareness, support cancer research, honor loved ones lost to cancer, and stand alongside survivors and those currently battling the disease.

Together, the soccer and volleyball programs raised more than $10,700, with additional fundraising efforts led by the field hockey program.

Soccer Teams Kick Out Cancer

On October 16 and 21, 2026, Medway’s girls’ and boys’ soccer teams hosted their annual Kick Out Cancer games, raising nearly $6,000 for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Through T-shirt sales and a 50/50 raffle, student-athletes and community members rallied around a shared mission of supporting cancer care and research.

The events continued a remarkable tradition of giving back. Last year, Medway’s soccer programs raised more than $10,000, and over the past three years, the community has contributed more than $32,000 toward the cause.

The initiative involved athletes from both varsity and junior varsity teams, led by girls’ varsity coach Ryan Elster, girls’ JV coach Dom Guyette, boys’ varsity coach Mike Hanson, and boys’ JV coach Jason Weintraub.

Photos of the girls’ and boys’ varsity and JV soccer teams provided by Jessica Bartha.

Field Hockey Sticks It to Cancer

On October 22, 2026, Medway’s field hockey program continued the school’s commitment to making a difference with its annual Stick it to Cancer game.

Led by varsity coach Adele Piotrowski and JV coach Holly Pashnik, the program raised funds to benefit the American Cancer Society, supporting cancer research, treatment, and prevention efforts.

The event encouraged players, families, and fans to contribute to the cause while reinforcing the importance of standing together in support of individuals and families affected by cancer.

Through their efforts, the field hockey athletes demonstrated that their impact extends beyond the playing field.

Field hockey team photo provided by Cameron Chotkowski.

Volleyball Digs Pink for a Cause

On October 26, 2026, Medway’s girls’ volleyball teams hosted their annual Dig Pink game, raising more than $4,700 for the Side-Out Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing research and personalized treatment for individuals living with metastatic breast cancer.

Under the leadership of varsity coach Shawn Thompson, JV1 coach Michaela Rupp, and JV2 coach Jennifer St. John, student-athletes organized fundraising activities that included Dig Pink T-shirt sales, tribute ribbons, bake sales, and raffles.

The event held special meaning for the volleyball program, as members of the team and their families have been personally affected by breast cancer.

During the event, the team shared a heartfelt message:

“Dig Pink is about more than volleyball. It’s about coming together as a community to support those affected by breast cancer.”

The athletes dedicated their efforts to survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and families whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer.

Volleyball team photo provided by Medway High School.

A Community United Through Sports

Medway High School’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiatives demonstrated the incredible power of student-athletes using their platforms to create positive change.

Across multiple sports and throughout October, athletes, coaches, families, and community members worked together to raise funds, spread awareness, and support organizations dedicated to fighting cancer.

With more than $10,700 raised by the soccer and volleyball programs alone, along with the field hockey program’s contributions, Medway’s student-athletes showed that teamwork, compassion, and community service can make a lasting difference.