The girls field hockey and soccer teams, adorned in vibrantly pink outfits, played their respective opponents with a deeper purpose in mind on October 10: raising awareness for breast cancer, a disease that has been affecting young women in the United States for years.
According to the American Cancer Society’s 2025 Facts and Figures, there will be around 316,950 female breast cancer cases this year, and about 42,170 female deaths.
For a smaller state like Connecticut, about 400 women will die of breast cancer, according to a 2023 report by the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative.
The Lady Bobcats have been supporting their fellow fighters for years by passionately ‘pinking out’ every October to observe breast cancer awareness month, which was established in the US in 1985.
“The pink out game supports women with breast cancer because it helps raise awareness to the severity of the disease,” said Izabel Dzubin, Senior and Field Hockey Captain.
Breast cancer claims thousands of lives each year, but when discovered, diagnosed, and treated early, the chances of survival increase to almost 99%.
One of the most important parts of observing breast cancer awareness month is wearing pink to represent the battle against cancer. The Bobcats Field Hockey Team charged onto the turf in neon pink specialized jerseys and new socks with the breast cancer symbol. Pink eyeblack and ribbons completed the look. The Timothy Edwards Middle School team, also in pink, was in the stands cheering their older friends on.
“Personally I love attending the pink out games. Coming to these games and supporting the high schoolers is so much fun,” said Stella Swierbutowicz, a TEMS field hockey player.
The Field Hockey team won a decisive victory over East Catholic, with a shut-out of 3-0. The JV team also won their match shortly after.
Similarly, the Bobcats Varsity Soccer Team came out strong in their pink apparel, beating E.O. Smith 4-1. Unfortunately, JV did not come away with a victory, but their purpose was not lost.
“I’m playing to have fun and hopefully raise money for a good cause,” said Junior Varsity soccer player Yilin Lin.
Both teams hosted a bake sale by their field. Players and parents alike contributed to the arrangement of sweet treats, from brownies to cookies and candy. Spectators and the visitors from TEMS quickly swarmed the field hockey table, purchasing almost all of the merchandise.
“I also enjoy how me [and] my friends can buy things from the bake sale and I think it’s going to a great cause,” said Swierbutowicz.
It was a fun day for athletes and fans, but the Lady Bobcats were fighting for more than a win.
“Our team supports anyone with breast cancer,” Dzubin said.
To learn more about breast cancer awareness, visit the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative Website.
