Queensbury Volleyball’s Power of Pink Tournaments: Nearly Two Decades of Making a Difference Through Sports

The Queensbury High School Volleyball program continues to demonstrate the power of student-athletes giving back through its annual Power of Pink Tournaments, a longstanding tradition that brings hundreds of athletes, coaches, families, and community members together to support cancer research and those affected by the disease.

This year’s events featured the JV Power of Pink Tournament on Saturday, October 3, followed by the Varsity Power of Pink Tournament on Saturday, October 10, both held at Queensbury High School.

With approximately 500 student-athletes participating across both tournament weekends, the Power of Pink initiative has grown into something much bigger than volleyball, creating a lasting tradition of service, compassion, and community involvement.

A Tradition Rooted in Giving Back

The Power of Pink Tournament was established by longtime Queensbury Varsity Volleyball Coach Tyler Carey, who led the program from 2006 through 2023.

While the tournament officially began in 2009, its roots date back to 2006, when the initiative was originally organized alongside a campus breast cancer walk supporting the American Cancer Society.

After the organization’s local chapter closed, Queensbury shifted its fundraising efforts to the Side-Out Foundation, a volleyball-focused organization dedicated to supporting cancer research and individuals and families affected by the disease.

Over the years, the tournament has grown into a powerful community tradition, raising approximately $500,000 since its inception to support those battling cancer.

Student-Athletes Lead the Way

What makes Queensbury’s Power of Pink Tournaments especially meaningful is the hands-on involvement of its student-athletes.

Rather than simply participating on the court, Queensbury volleyball players take an active role in planning, organizing, and promoting the events.

Their efforts include:

• Creating posters and decorations throughout the school to promote awareness and encourage participation.
• Contacting local businesses to secure donations for concession stands and raffle baskets.
• Helping organize fundraising activities that bring the school and surrounding community together.
• Serving as ambassadors for the cause, with some student-athletes participating on the Side-Out Foundation’s Ambassador Board.

Each year, the program sets an ambitious fundraising goal of $50,000 to $60,000, with proceeds benefiting the Side-Out Foundation and its cancer research efforts.

Through these experiences, student-athletes develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and community service skills that extend far beyond volleyball.

A Full-Circle Moment for Queensbury Volleyball

For Queensbury coach and teacher Kristen Murphy, the Power of Pink Tournament holds a particularly meaningful place in her heart.

Murphy participated in the tournament throughout all four years of her high school volleyball career under Coach Carey and now helps carry on the tradition for the next generation of student-athletes.

Her journey from player to coach and organizer reflects the lasting influence the tournament has had on the Queensbury volleyball community.

What began as an opportunity to compete for a cause has become a tradition that former players continue to support and pass along to future generations.

Building a Lasting Legacy of Community Impact

The Power of Pink Tournaments represent the values that Queensbury Volleyball strives to instill in its athletes: Integrity, Grit, Unity, and Purpose.

With approximately half a million dollars raised over the years and hundreds of student-athletes participating annually, the program demonstrates how high school athletics can become a powerful force for positive change.

The continued dedication of coaches, student-athletes, families, local businesses, and community supporters has helped transform a volleyball tournament into a lasting legacy of generosity and service.

Making an Impact Beyond the Court

Queensbury Volleyball’s Power of Pink initiative is a shining example of the impact student-athletes can make when they come together for something greater than themselves.

Through their fundraising, leadership, and community outreach, the Spartans are not only supporting important cancer research but also inspiring future generations to embrace the importance of giving back.

Team Up 4 Community is proud to recognize Queensbury Volleyball, its coaches, and student-athletes as part of the NYSPHSAA Community Service Challenge for their continued dedication to making a difference through sports.

Thank you to everyone involved in keeping this meaningful tradition alive and demonstrating that the greatest victories often happen beyond the court!