Volleyball team helps breast cancer victim

By Taylor Laskoski| gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo by Karen Hudgins

Flagler College volleyball Coach Taylor Mott said that even though Saturday’s conference win against Montevallo put the team’s destiny in their own hands, being able to help a local St. Augustine cancer patient Ashley Daniel meant more than anything.

“It is such an amazing feeling to be able to help someone, especially someone as near and dear to us as Ashley is,” Mott said.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the team participated in a Dig Pink program that raised money for victims of the disease. All proceeds and donations were given to the family, for a total of $1,200. Publix matched the donations, bringing the total to $2,400.

Daniel, 23, is battling stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. She has a 3-year old daughter and her medical insurance has just expired.

“Just knowing that we are able to help pay for three months of her insurance coverage is rewarding,” Mott said.

With a large crowd supporting the team and the cause, Weathersby said that the team felt the energy from the crowd and from the victim Ashley.

Our team always wants to win, but there was definitely added motivation to win since the day was dedicated to Ashley,” said Weathersby, the team’s outside hitter.

“We even said in the locker room before our game and after the second game that we are playing for her so lets make this an exciting game to watch,” Jillian Unitas said.

The win improved Flagler’s chances of winning the Peach Belt Conference, bringing their record to 18-7 and 8-1 in their conference. Events like the Dig Pink program help the team communicate better, which is what Mott believes is key to success.

“We need to continue to win and not over look any of our upcoming opponents,” she said. “Team chemistry is the key to successful teams.”