Number of Participants: 115
Hours Donated: 8
Value of Time Served: $32,007
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Activity: Soccer
School: Commack High School
School: Abby Kelley Foster Reg Charter School
Date: September 10, 2026
Location:
Commack High School
Scholar Lane, Commack
NY
About:
Commack High School soccer is showing how student-athletes can use their platform to make a difference far beyond the field.
Throughout September and October, the boys and girls soccer programs are participating in a series of special games, fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and youth activities supporting causes that have meaningful connections to the Commack community. From childhood and breast cancer awareness to honoring the memory of former Commack soccer player Danny Mihnovich, student-athletes are helping lead the way.
Going Gold for Childhood Cancer
One of the first events will be the Commack Boys Varsity Soccer Go Gold game on September 14 against Connetquot, bringing the community together in support of children and families impacted by childhood cancer.
On September 26, Commack JV Girls Soccer will also Go Gold during its game against Brentwood, supporting childhood cancer awareness in honor of the Daniela Conte Foundation.
The cause has a particularly personal connection to Commack through Daniela Conte, a Commack student who passed away from childhood cancer. By wearing gold, promoting the initiative, and encouraging others to participate, Commack’s student-athletes are using their visibility to help keep attention focused on children and families fighting cancer.
Cougar for a Day
On September 30, Commack Soccer will bring its commitment to service to the next generation through its Cougar for a Day Clinic, held in partnership with the Commack Soccer League.
Local players in grades 2–6 will have the opportunity to take the field alongside Commack High School JV and varsity players and coaches for an afternoon of soccer activities, games, and skill development.
The high school athletes will serve as mentors and role models, encouraging the younger players while demonstrating teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.
The event also gives back, with proceeds supporting charitable causes connected to the Commack Soccer program, including efforts honoring Danny Mihnovich.
Kicks for a Cause
Breast cancer awareness will be another important focus for the program.
On October 3, Commack JV Girls Soccer will host a Kicks for a Cause game against Garden City. The following day, JV and varsity girls soccer players will continue their fundraising efforts by selling pink bows, bracelets, and hair extensions in support of the cause.
Then, on October 5, Commack Girls Varsity Soccer will host its own Kicks for a Cause game against Patchogue-Medford.
As part of the initiative, families are invited to create posters honoring someone who has fought cancer or remembering someone who lost their battle with cancer. The posters will be displayed at the game, creating a meaningful tribute to the strength, courage, and memories of those impacted by the disease.
The players are also helping promote the events, spread awareness throughout the school and community, and encourage students and families to get involved.
Wear Purple for Danny
October 5 will also carry special meaning as the Commack soccer community wears purple for Danny Mihnovich, honoring the memory and legacy of the former Commack soccer player.
Players, families, teammates, classmates, and community members are encouraged to wear purple as a visible symbol of remembrance and support.
The initiative benefits the Danny Mihnovich Scholarship Fund while also helping raise awareness about epilepsy and SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).
Student-athletes are helping spread the message through social media, purple shirt sales, community outreach, and other fundraising efforts — using the power of their program to keep Danny’s memory alive while educating others.
Making an Impact Beyond the Field
Together, these initiatives represent much more than a schedule of special soccer games.
Commack’s student-athletes are mentoring younger players, raising awareness for childhood and breast cancer, supporting families, honoring members of their community, and educating others about epilepsy and SUDEP.
In the process, they are developing leadership, compassion, service, and community responsibility — and showing younger athletes what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
For Commack Soccer, being part of a team isn’t only about competing together. It’s also about showing up for others, supporting the community, and using the game they love to make a difference.
