HEADstrong to Take on Anyone


This past weekend the Panthers played in the HEADstrong tournament, held at Hofstra University. Participating teams included: Hofstra, Adelphi, Catholic, Central Connecticut State, LIU Post, Iona, LIU Brooklyn, Manhattan, NYAC, Stony Brook and Villanova.

The tournament is played in honor of Hofstra men's lacrosse player Nick Colleluori. 

In April 2005, Colleluori was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a blood cancer affecting the lymphatic system. The doctor's told Colleluori he would only live for 3-months, however he fought everyday to live for 14 months with this terrible cancer. 

Nick Colleluori while battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Photo c/o headstrongfoundation.org

"Since 2006, the HEADstrong Foundation has raised more than $3.7 million to help find a cure for the disease that took Nicholas' life" (headstrongfoundation.org) 

In preparation for the tournament, the girls sold awareness t-shirts around campus to spread the message and help raise even more money. 

Upon arrival, the Panthers did not look their best. In their first game against Catholic University, they looked a little tired, out of sorts, and were not capitalizing on plays. Although they ended with a win, the coaches were not pleased with their performance.

During the tournament, Mrs. Colleluori, Nick's mother, made a speech delivering Nick's struggle and dreams for what the HEADstrong foundation would become. During the speech, teams selected someone to be the recipient of the Relentless Award. For the Adelphi Panthers, goalkeeper Taylor Hayes was selected for her commitment to the team and her tireless efforts on the field. 

In the next three games, the girls began to look better. They were hustling more and possessing the ball better, finishing with a 4-0 record. However, they clearly need to grow more as a team. "We are not striving to win. We are striving for perfection. And we were far from our goal today. Though we posted a winning record, it felt like a loss. We can only go up from here" says grad-assistant Meg Brown. 

The Adelphi Women's Lacrosse Team at the HEADstrong tournament at Hofstra.

To donate to this amazing cause, please click here.