Focus is key to success in any team’s season, but 2013 brought more than just wins and losses for the Morrisville State College women’s lacrosse team.
Together 15 college age female student-athletes and a staff of three coaches, made a collaborative effort to streamline a new campaign on campus off the lacrosse field, a month long “Reach Out, Speak Up and Play On” crusade throughout April to raise awareness to the often unspoken issue of domestic violence among college age students.
The team’s initiative and support from fellow athletic teams and campus members for the event received tremendous backing from the community as well, as they raised more than $5,000 to benefit the Vera House in Syracuse, and the One Love Foundation.
Both organizations assist victims of domestic violence and intimate partner violence, at both the local and national levels, in providing support and promoting a culture of equity and respect in relationships.
The Mustangs campaign focused on taking a stand against domestic violence and speaking up to get assistance to those that may have experienced or are experiencing intimate partner violence, and included a turn the campus from green to purple day, along with a “handprint project” in the dining hall.
Their month long campaign was capped off by a benefit game against conference opponent Wells College on April 27, in which the Mustangs wore commemorative purple jerseys with the white ribbon, the symbol for taking a stand against domestic violence.
As part of a continuing community service program within the athletic department, student-athletes are involved in a variety of service programs, benefiting both the campus and surrounding communities.