Brace for Pink: Athletes Ready to Compete for Breast Cancer Awareness

This Sunday, a group of athletes from the girls' soccer teams, along with other athletes, will be walking in Boston's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.

Things really kick off Friday, though, when in some form to show their support for breast cancer awareness.

While the girls' soccer teams have taken part in the walk during the last six years, this will be the first time all athletes are spreading awareness during their games on Friday with pink wrist bands.

"We love doing the walk, because while raising money for a great cause, we can have fun as a team and represent our school," said Senior Soccer Captain Aly Grealish, who plays left defense. "Players from all teams, varsity, JV and freshmen walk together, and it's a great way for bonding as a soccer program, not just within our individual teams."

Fellow Senior Captain Laura McHoul agreed, and said that the event is something that helps unite the players.

"I've participated in this walk over the past couple of years, and the girls soccer team looks forward to this every year," said McHoul, who expressed excitement to walk for Linda Hanlon, an English Teacher at Westwood High School who is a breast cancer survivor. "We walk for her, and for all the other people struggling with breast cancer."

And it's not just a varsity thing - players from the junior varsity and freshman teams will also be taking part in the walk on Sunday.

"The Making Strides walk is major highlight to our team's season," said Cara Parsons, a captain on the junior varsity girls soccer squad. "Last year's walk was so eye-opening, seeing that our small program in Westwood contributed to such a huge cause. We love doing this because for most of us we know someone touched by the cancer. It's awesome to give back as a team. Even better, this year our whole school got involved. When I saw cancer survivors walking with us last year, I thought 'Wow, I hope we can help even more people do that next year.' It really was indescribable."

Added senior Shelly Walsh, who has participated in the walk for the last four years, "I'm looking forward to it this year more than ever. Every year we try to raise money, but this year the entire athletic department and school have been really helpful."

Caitie Reilly, also a senior on the varsity team, said the walk helps serve as a reminder that there are plenty of women out there fighting the disease and that each should know there is help out there.

"I think what I love most about doing the walk is knowing that the girls and I are able to fight for a cause that is much more important than a spot on the starting line-up or winning record at the end of the season," Reilly said. "It's not only a time for all of us to gain a stronger appreciation for all the things in life that we may occasionally take for granted, but a time to come together and help those in need."

Those willing to donate can do so by visiting the Westwood Girls Soccer Team Making Strides web site, or by submitting donations to volunteers who will be helping out at Friday's sporting events in Westwood.