Ament Named HEADstrong Foundation Player Ambassador


Ament Named HEADstrong Foundation Player Ambassador

 

(PHILADELPHIA)

The HEADstrong Foundation is proud to announce the naming of Premier Lacrosse League standout Grant Ament as an official player ambassador. Ament is coming off of his inaugural season with the PLL where he established himself as a preeminent impact player.  He was selected first overall in the 2020 PLL College Draft by the Archers LC and entered the PLL following a storied career at Penn State University. In just six games during the modified 2020 season, Ament recorded 20 points including (6) goals and (14) assists.

HEADstrong is a cause that is very close to Ament’s heart. Before the cancellation of his senior season, Ament and his Penn State teammates visited Nick’s House, the guest residence for displaced patients and their families seeking life saving treatment in the Philadelphia region, operated by HEADstrong. The experience was both humbling and empowering for the team getting ready to face in-state rival, UPenn. It was there that Ament met members of the Colleluori family and gained an understanding of the story and mission of the HEADstrong Foundation. Ament shared that he had worn HEADstrong shoelaces and even played with a HEADstrong lacrosse stick as a youth player. HF founder Nick Colleluori’s iconic and inspirational quote “Make use of the time you have and don’t stress the little things. Have a smile and enjoy what you can get out of life,” was one that guided him throughout his journey and was on his bathroom wall. In the wake of the cancelled season, alongside of fellow lacrosse players Michael Sowers and Ally Kennedy, Ament sprung into action, leading The Last Shift Virtual 5k which rallied thousands of collegiate student-athletes and helped raise over $150,000 to support the HEADstrong Foundation on behalf of families overcome by cancer and the highest risk of COVID-19. Ament and HEADstrong are planning on turning The Last Shift Virtual 5k into an annual challenge in conjunction with National Student Athlete Day on April 6th.  

“Amidst the pandemic I had the privilege of collaborating with Grant in the execution of The Last Shift Virtual 5k Challenge and was moved by his dedication to the campaign and our cause as a whole. I witnessed his selflessness as he chalked up his own playing career to help others when it mattered most. I get emotional knowing that even as a young player, Grant was championing our Nick’s vision by taking the field with our shoelaces and equipment. It is with tremendous pride that we pass him the torch. The trail that he is blazing for athletes by using his platform for good is truly exemplary and we are honored to officially have him as part of the HEADstrong Foundation,” said Pat Colleluori, HF CDO & Nick’s Brother.    

Ament is a native of Doylestown, PA and attended the Haverford School. After an incredible high school career, he took his playing abilities to Penn State University where he became the school’s career leader in points (274) and assists (183), both also Big Ten records. Ament’s 2019 season saw him set the NCAA, Big Ten and program record for assists in a single season (98) while breaking the NCAA tournament record with 25 points. He was named an All-American three times (first team in 2019 and 2020, honorable mention in 2017) and also became the program’s first ever Tewaaraton Award finalist in 2019.  He received the NCAA’s Lt. Col. J.I. (Jack) Turnbull Award for Outstanding Attackmen in 2019, was voted the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 and earned three All-Big Ten honors (first team in 2018 and 2019, honorable mention in 2017).  

Being named an official player ambassador for the HEADstrong Foundation is the latest honor bestowed upon Ament.  Since 2007, HEADstrong has recognized 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 embody the spirit, tenacity and compassion of HEADstrong founder, Nicholas Colleluori, and are asked to help champion the mission of improving lives affected by cancer. Ament joins a distinguished list of past and current player ambassadors including: Alex Aust, Joe Sankney, Tom Schreiber, Joel White, CJ Costabile, Kevin Buchanan, Ken Clausen, Stephen DeNapoli, Bill McGlone, Paul Rabil and Chris Hogan. From appearances to taking the field wearing HF awareness laces and accessories, Ament 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.

“I couldn’t be more excited and humbled to serve as a Player Ambassador for the HEADstrong Foundation. Nick Colleluori has always been one of my heroes and I continue to be inspired by the tireless efforts of this organization. From the time I was a young player, I proudly laced up my cleats with HEADstrong shoelaces and now as a professional, I am proud to represent Nick Colleluori and heroes fighting this disease. My hope is to raise heightened awareness about how HEADstrong is providing tangible solutions to real problems plaguing those navigating cancer. Now more than ever, we have perspective and an understanding of what it’s like to have life halted due to unexpected circumstances. I look forward to serving the HEADstrong Foundation by engaging lacrosse players and athletes from all over to support this wonderful cause,” said Grant Ament. 

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

HEADstrong Foundation (EIN:26-0283021) Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori founded the HEADstrong Foundation in 2006 while undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  The organization is committed to serving as a direct resource to families overcome by cancer, offering financial, emotional, logistical and residential support including Nick’s House. Our promise is to uphold, preserve and expand our founders vision and final request that others would benefit from his life and experience through cancer. For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation, visit HEADstrong.org or follow on social media, @HEADstrongFND.

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