Sankey Named 2016 HEADstrong Foundation Player Ambassador 

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The HEADstrong Foundation is proud to announce that MLL standout Joey Sankey has been named their Men’s Lacrosse Player Ambassador for 2016.  In late July, Sankey earned Major League Lacrosse Cascade Rookie of the Year honors and currently plays for the Charlotte Hounds.  Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, (where  HEADstrong is nationally based), Sankey and his family have always been aware and supportive of the cause.  This is a special opportunity for Sankey to build upon his commitment to serving others while using his status in the game to inspire youth and make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer nationwide.

“I read an incredible article about Joey in which UNC Men’s Lacrosse Coach Joe Breschi was quoted in saying that Sankey was “undersized with the heart of a lion.” the irony is that, this is exactly what Coach John Danowski said about my brother Nicholas and his playing contribution to the Hofstra Pride.  Sankey hails from Southeastern, PA, comes from an incredibly supportive family, bleeds team and possesses a charismatic personality.  It makes perfect sense to have someone so Nick-like carrying the ball for us as our 2016 Player Ambassador.” said Pat Colleluori, HF CMO and Nick’s Brother

Annually, HEADstrong recognizes athletes who demonstrate exemplary leadership, are committed to service in the community and use their stature in the sports world to advocate for the cause.  Ambassadors embodying the spirit, tenacity and compassion of HEADstrong founder, Nicholas Colleluori are asked to help champion the mission of improving quality of life for those affected by cancer during the year.   Sankey becomes the 10th athlete to hold the prestigious title, joining a distinguished list of past and current player ambassadors including: Alex Aust, Tom Schreiber, Joel White, CJ Costabile, Kevin Buchanan, Ken Clausen, Stephen DeNapoli, Bill McGlone, Paul Rabil and Buffalo Bills WR #15 Chris Hogan.  From appearances to taking the field wearing HF awareness laces and accessories, Sankey will be focused on making a difference and helping to share the impact that HEADstrong is having on behalf of those affected by the disease.

Sankey is a native of Warminster, PA and attended William Penn Charter School.  He took his playing abilities to the University of North Carolina where he had an incredible playing career, becoming the Tar Heels All-Time Career Points Leader.  Sankey was acquired by the Charlotte Hounds with the 9th overall pick in the 2015 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft.  During his rookie season Sankey entered the league in Week 7 and was an immediate difference maker, playing in 9 regular season games, finishing his rookie year with 22 goals and 11 assist, for a remarkable 34 points on the season.

“I couldn’t be more excited and humbled to serve as HEADstrong’s 2016 Men’s Lacrosse Player Ambassador.  My hope is to raise awareness about everything the HEADstrong Foundation offers to families and how impactful this foundation is in supporting people battling cancer.  We all have been affected by this terrible disease in some way.  I look forward to serving the HEADstrong Foundation by engaging lacrosse players and athletes from all over to support this wonderful cause.” – Joey Sankey

“On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation we are honored to introduce Joey Sankey as our Men’s Lacrosse Player Ambassador for 2016.  Joey is an incredible person who embodies all of the characteristics that we pride ourselves on.  Over years Joey has worked tremendously hard and has emerged as an amazing athlete and a great role model for our youth.  We wish to congratulate Joey on this accomplishment and welcome him into the HEADstrong family.”  – Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom

About HEADstrong Foundation

The HEADstrong Foundation™ is a 501(c)(3) committed to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families through providing essential programs and services.

HEADstrong™ is an athletic rooted organization that serves the cancer community by granting direct financial assistance to those financially impacted as a result of the disease, by providing complimentary long-term housing and amenities for those traveling to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for cancer related treatments through Nick’s House™, by funding innovative cancer research through the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma research fund, by serving family meals and offering outlets of entertainment, by providing fresh groceries to patients being discharged from lengthy hospital stays, by delivering comfort kits to newly hospitalized patients preparing for treatment or transplant, and by lending an arm of support through their peer to peer advocacy group.

The blueprints for the Foundation were conceptualized by Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori in 2006, from his hospital bed while he underwent treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which ultimately claimed his life.  Today, Nick’s vision is being fulfilled through the relentless efforts of his family, athletes and supporters across the country uniting in the fight against cancers.

For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation™ and how you can make a difference go to www.HEADstrong.org.