Inaugural All-HEADstrong Teams for NCAA Lacrosse

PHILADELPHIA – This year, more than 383 collegiate athletic programs nationwide have championed the mission of the HEADstrong Foundation through a variety of ways. From leading community service projects to organizing events to participation in fundraising campaigns, student philanthropy continues to be a key component in the evolution of the HEADstrong Foundation and its ability to improve lives affected by cancer. The HEADstrong Foundation was conceptualized by Nicholas Colleluori, a Hofstra University student-athlete who was terminally diagnosed with cancer entering his sophomore year. His public fight from the sidelines captivated the nation, and from his hospital bed he created an organization focused on empowering student-athletes to improve lives affected by the disease. Unfortunately, Colleluori would succumb to the disease before seeing his vision of the HEADstrong Foundation come to life, but asked his family to see the foundation into fruition in his stead.

With student-athletes nationwide, especially lacrosse players carrying Colleluori’s torch, the HEADstrong Foundation was inspired to create a way to acknowledge achievements in student philanthropy during the year. HEADstrong is proud to introduce the All-HEADstrong Team for NCAA Men’s & Women’s Lacrosse. Members of the honorary team have been selected for their outstanding commitment, stewardship and exemplary efforts in supporting and advancing the mission of the HEADstrong Foundation through various philanthropic and fundraising endeavors.

Beginning the week of April 30, HEADstrong will begin to unveil two players per day on the foundation’s social media channels (@HEADstrongFnd on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) to bring more attention to the philanthropic efforts of these collegiate student-athletes. These posts will be randomly-generated pairings — beginning with one male and one female per day —  and will run each day until all of the 26 players are recognized through Saturday, May 13.

“We continue to be inspired by the amazing efforts of student-athletes nationwide who have selflessly devoted themselves to service in our Nick’s name,” said Pat Colleluori, HEADstrong CMO and Nick’s brother. “It is truly a privilege to share Nick’s vision and life with athletes across the country, and it is even more special to see our call to action championed by so many athletic programs. Witnessing some amazing acts of generosity and support over this year, we were inspired to create this honorary team of special student-athletes for their amazing contributions to our cause. We are incredibly grateful and honored to unveil the inaugural All-HEADstrong Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Team.”

2018 All-HEADstrong Team

Men’s Lacrosse

Brett Baucia — University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Tucker Carney — Dickinson College

Adam Ceribelli — Towson University

TJ Connellan — Penn State University

Jordan Dow — St. Lawrence University

Patrick Finneran — Dickinson College

Frank Hattler — Tufts University

Jared Hershman — Marquette University

Brian Meyer — Lehigh University

Lukas Munoz — Bucknell University

John Natoli — Lafayette College

Thomas O’Dea — University of Utah

Matt Quagliariello — Siena College

Cole Robertson — Towson University

 Women’s Lacrosse

Patricia Brisotti — Long Island University Post

Nicole Concannon — Villanova University

Courtney Dietzel — Drexel University

Haley Driscoll — Villanova University

Beth Finley — University of Pennsylvania

Gussie Johns — University of Southern California

Amanda Masullo — Long Island University Brooklyn

Shea McAvoy — Hofstra University

Alana Navaroli — Rutgers University

Kathleen O’Connor — Villanova University

Sara Parnes — University of Michigan

Nikki Zaccaro — University of California, Berkeley

The HEADstrong Foundation is a 501(c)3 committed to improving lives affected by cancer, founded by the late Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori. The non-profit organization plays a vital role as a direct resource to families overcome by the hardships of cancer. HEADstrong provides a variety of services, which range from financial assistance to funding capital projects to peer mentorship and, most notably, HEADstrong operates Nick’s House™, a guest family home providing more than 2,555 nights of complimentary lodging and support to families displaced in the pursuit of life-saving cancer treatment. 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 cancer. For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation™ and how to donate, host a fundraiser or volunteer, please visit www.HEADstrong.org.