Number of Participants: 25
Hours Donated: 6
Value of Time Served: $5,219
Event Type: Health & Safety
Activity: Girls Lacrosse
School: Pleasantville High School
Date: April 30, 2026
Location:
Pleasantville High School
Romer Avenue, Pleasantville
NY
About:
Pleasantville Varsity Girls Lacrosse is demonstrating how athletics can serve as a powerful platform for connection, awareness, and meaningful change.
In partnership with Break The Hold and the Halloran family, the team recently hosted a special Break The Hold Game dedicated to supporting student-athlete mental health and encouraging open conversations surrounding mental wellness.
Led by team captains Ella McCourtney, Ella Collins, and Faith Brown, the initiative reflected the strong leadership and compassion of the student-athletes, who worked to bring teammates, families, and the broader community together around an important cause.
While Pleasantville earned an impressive 20–10 victory on the field, the true impact of the evening extended far beyond the final score. The event focused on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and reminding students that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The partnership with Break The Hold carries deep meaning within the Pleasantville community. The foundation was inspired by the life and legacy of Brian Halloran, a respected student-athlete and leader whose impact continues to be felt throughout the school community. Honoring his memory remains at the heart of the initiative and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another both on and off the field.
Throughout the event, student-athletes used their platform to raise awareness, promote mental health resources, and encourage conversations that foster understanding, empathy, and support. The Halloran family played an instrumental role in helping guide the effort and ensuring the message remained authentic, impactful, and student-centered.
Beyond game day, the initiative reflects a larger commitment within the Pleasantville athletic department to prioritize student wellness and create a culture where athletes feel supported. Through educational discussions and community engagement, students are learning how to advocate for themselves and support their peers in meaningful ways.
The leadership displayed by the Pleasantville Varsity Girls Lacrosse team serves as a powerful example of the positive influence student-athletes can have within their schools and communities. By using the game to inspire awareness and connection, these students are helping create lasting change and reminding others that no one has to struggle alone.
Initiatives like this continue to highlight the important role athletics can play in promoting compassion, leadership, and community impact far beyond competition.
