Number of Participants: 33
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $11,481
Event Type: Health & Safety
Activity: Girls Volleyball
School: Uniondale High School
Date: October 23, 2025
Location:
Uniondale High School
Goodrich Street, Uniondale
NY
About:
With the support of Superintendent Dr. Darrisaw-Akil and Athletic Director Mr. Cardone, the Uniondale High School Girls Volleyball Program proudly hosted its first-ever Dig Pink Game in partnership with the American Cancer Society, an inspiring night dedicated to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Led by Coach Daniel Splendore, the idea for the event was inspired by Varsity Assistant Coach Ms. Prescia, who lost her father to cancer as a young child. The program came together with deep purpose and compassion to make the evening one to remember.
“The motivation really came from Coach Prescia’s story,” said Coach Splendore. “Our Athletic Director ordered pink jerseys for the team, and we partnered with the American Cancer Society to create a fundraiser. With the help of our players, we spread the word on social media to encourage donations. Our goal was not only to raise money but to raise awareness and our girls truly embraced the message.”
Senior co-captain Zahara Saintyl shared how personal the game was for her:
“The Dig Pink game and fundraiser meant far more than just a color. To us, it represented strength, love, and community. My aunt fought a courageous battle with breast cancer, and playing in her honor really hit home for me. Coming together as a team to raise awareness and play for something bigger than ourselves made the game incredibly more meaningful.”
Senior Liz Melgar echoed the sentiment:
“Partaking in this fundraiser not only helped bring awareness to breast cancer, but it also showed the love we have for each other as a team. Our assistant coach lost her father to cancer, and this was a way to show our support for her too. The Dig Pink game was more than just three sets of volleyball , it was a time for unity, love, and honor.”
Coach Splendore added that the event was a powerful reflection of the empathy and character within the Uniondale school community.
“I think we can all agree that phones and technology often distract our youth, but this event gave our students a chance to show their hearts. Our JV and Varsity teams took so much pride in this initiative, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they represented themselves, their school, and this cause. We’re already looking forward to making this an annual tradition.”
Uniondale Volleyball’s inaugural Dig Pink Game was a shining example of teamwork, compassion, and purpose, proving that when athletes come together for a cause, the impact reaches far beyond the court.
