Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/26/15
From Press Release
The University of Delaware women’s lacrosse team wrapped up fall ball action last week by doing two things the Blue Hens are passionate about: playing lacrosse and supporting the community.
Delaware participated in the Third Annual University City Classic, which is presented by the HEADstrong Foundation. Held at the University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field, the Blue Hens competed against the Quakers, Stanford and Boston College during the second annual women’s lacrosse UCC. Franklin Field is in the shadows of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where HF founder Nicholas Colleluori fought his relentless battle against non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
“It is an honor to participate in the University City Classic once again,” exclaimed Delaware head coach Kateri Linville. “This is such a special day. From the first time we heard Nick’s story, our hearts were all touched. Our team cherishes the opportunity to keep his legacy alive and to play inspired for everyone we know who is fighting cancer!”
Colleluori, a 2004 graduate of Ridley High School (Pa.) and lacrosse student-athlete at Hofstra University, created the HEADstrong Foundation (HF) shortly after he was diagnosed with the blood cancer in April 2005.
Before passing away in November 2006, Colleluori’s wish was to have his family carry out his vision for the Foundation with its mission of “HEADing efforts to improve quality of life for those affected by blood cancers and supporting those working to eliminate the disease.”
According to HEADstrong.org, “The HEADstrong Foundation is relentless, driven by our passion and commitment to honesty, integrity and selflessness in our efforts, to the population we support through the sport of lacrosse.”
After being nominated by her teammates, Blue Hens junior Coley Ricci (Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley) was selected as Delaware’s Nick Colleluori Award selection. The Award honors those who best embodied the mindset, commitment, attitude and dedication that Nick personified.
“Coley represents the qualities of a great teammate as she is hard working, gritty and passionate about our team’s success,” Linville remarked. “When faced with adversity, Coley is optimistic and resilient – just like Nick. She sees the vision we have for Delaware lacrosse and is doing everything she can to help us get to the next level. We are proud of Coley’s efforts and thrilled to have her teammates recognize her leadership.”
Since its inception in 2007, the HEADstrong Foundation has raised more than $7 million in support of more than 12,500 patients and their families who have been affected by cancer.
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