The Hill School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams held a program, “Attack Cancer,” campaigned by the HEADstrong Foundation. They have raised over $8200 for the families affected by cancer.  

The HEADstrong Foundation is an organization established in 2007 that offers financial, residential, and emotional support to families affected by cancer. The mission of the HEADstrong Foundation is to constantly improve the quality of life for those, and their families affected by cancer. The HEADstrong Foundation is fulfilling the vision of its founder, Nicholas Colleluori. He realized the scarcity of essential resources for families during their fight with cancer. Nicholas’s last wish was that others would benefit from his journey. In total, they have raised $27 million and have assisted 25,709 patients and families  

For this event, Hill alum Ken Clausen ’06 came back to speak about the cause as he now works for the organization. This specific program is connected to the athlete’s performance this season. Girls’ and boys’ basketball players were all asked to get sponsors over holiday recess and then each shot 100 free throws. Sponsors would donate money in either a lump sum or per free throw made. The top shooters who each made 91 shots were Anderson Brndjar ’25 and Sammy Faella ’26. The top earners who all raised over $1000 individually were Smeena Gill ’24, Tommy Gill ’27, and Lilly Soller ’25. The players worked hard to get donations and have truly enjoyed and had a lot of takeaways from this program.  

Coaches Deanna Mayza, Athletics Operations Coordinator, and Seth Eilberg, Wilbur C. Riley Director of Athletics and Co-Curricular Activities, encouraged their athletes to be part of different community service programs. They have been supportive in our varsity athletic programs to do some form of community service and find a cause to support. This year, they have decided to be part of the HEADstrong Foundation supporting the “Attack Cancer” program. Many other programs have done lots of different things.  

The coaches believed that it is a great way for teams to build on the values of teamwork, servant leadership, and gratitude that are core to our athletics program. Our players develop those skills through these community service activities. Overall, the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams enjoyed and learned a lot from the special program, and they have raised $8,291 through their hard work.