The Jackrabbit women’s basketball team is set to host Oral Roberts in its annual pink game Jan. 28 at Frost Arena.
The Jackrabbits will wear special jerseys featuring elements of pink. Right after the contest, the game-worn jerseys will be auctioned live with all proceeds going to the Edith Sanford Breast Center. All fans are encouraged to wear pink as well in support of breast cancer awareness.
Though the origin of the pink game is unknown, it likely “stemmed from our strong partnership with Sanford,” said Maggan Froseth, assistant athletic director in marketing.
In the previous six years that the pink game has taken place, over $74,000 has been raised. In 2017, the earliest year with a recorded total, the auction totals were over $12,000. The record amount raised was in 2022 when over $14,000 was collected. Last year’s live auction raised nearly $10,000.
Since the number of jerseys that will be sold live is limited, fans can make a difference in other ways too.
“Donations can also be made directly to the Edith Sanford Breast Center website,” said Froseth.
The Edith Sanford Breast Center has over 40 locations in South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. It is an integrated part of the Sanford Health organization. The center’s nonprofit organization is changing the future of breast cancer care and research.
“Through the use of personalized medicine, we are on the path of revolutionizing prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship,” according to the organization’s website.
Jackrabbit women’s basketball players are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the pink game. Senior Tori Nelson has played in several pink games in the past, and this will be her fifth one as a member of the team.
“The pink game is always a special day where we are able to recognize all of those who are impacted by breast cancer,” Nelson said. “It is an honor to wear the pink jersey and play a small part in raising awareness for such an amazing organization.”
Senior Kallie Theisen is out this season with an injury, but she has a strong personal connection to the pink game.
“A handful of my friends have had mothers get diagnosed with breast cancer,” Theisen said. “It has been inspiring to see the way each of them has tackled their own treatment and recovery.”
Theisen has experienced the event first-hand multiple times. She recently reflected on what it means to her.
“The pink game means a lot to me because it is an opportunity to honor all of the women who have battled breast cancer,” Theisen said. “It is important to let those women who have battled breast cancer, or are currently battling, know that we see them and we support them.”
Though the Jackrabbits will be focused on the game, the day will be a great reminder of the challenges that fighters and survivors of breast cancer face each day.