Philly Six Women’s Lax Teams To Pledge Their First Home Games Of 2022 For HEADstrong

(PHILADELPHIA) – The anticipation is building as the 2022 spring season officially begins this weekend for collegiate women’s lacrosse teams nationwide.  Philadelphia’s Six NCAA Division I women’s programs – Drexel University, LaSalle University, St. Joseph’s University, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University – will all take the field for their home openers with some incredible dame day hairstyles on behalf of families overcome by cancer as part of the “No Place Like Home Initiative” supporting the HEADstrong Foundation. 

This season, the teams are actively participating in Game Hair Havoc, a fundraising campaign powered by the HEADstrong Foundation in which college teams use game day hairstyles as a mechanism for raising awareness and funds to support the cause. From battle braids to power buns, each of the players of the Philly Six will show their spirit and support for those who have lost their hair due to the side effects of their cancer treatment.  While each of these teams will be competing against each other on the field this season, this is a special way for them to unite for the greater good. The proceeds raised will be used to fund nights of lodging and comfort for guest families at Nick’s House. 

The HEADstrong Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides emotional, financial, logistical and residential support to local and national families.  The organization is headquartered in the Philadelphia suburbs. Locally, HEADstrong operates Nick’s House, a guest residence for families displaced to the region in pursuit of advanced cancer care and clinical trials.

“Nick’s House is giving home field advantage to families displaced to our region in the fight of their lives,” said Jill Batcheller, Villanova University Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach. “It is our privilege to use our platform and our hairstyles to show our support for those affected by this disease and those who have had to leave the comforts of their home in the pursuit of their treatment. HEADstrong is a cause very near to all of our hearts.  Each of our programs have been impacted by the realities of cancer and we are so proud to be united in this way.  Together we will begin our 2022 seasons by making a statement against cancer.” 

Given the organization’s local roots and ties to the sport, Batcheller and Drexel University’s Kim Hillier were inspired to lead the effort rallying all six NCAA D1 programs. Batcheller, a Philadelphia native, spent the past three seasons at the helm of the Drexel Dragons before accepting the head coaching job at Villanova this past summer.  Hillier, who replaced Batcheller at Drexel this past summer, was ironically a classmate and personal friend of HEADstrong founder Nicholas Colleluori at Hofstra University. Upon accepting her new job, Hillier reached out to the Colleluori family to express her sincere support to honor her late friend.

“We are very fortunate to have these amazing programs in our backyard and even more honored to call them partners in the fightm,” said Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President & Nick’s Mom. “It is empowering, inspiring and uplifting to see all six Philadelphia D1 teams embracing our cause with open arms and using their first home games this season to unite.  There is truly “No Place Like Home,” and we are proud to play our position for those locally in the fight and those who are displaced to our region in pursuit of the best treatment possible.”

Philly Six No Place Like Home Initiative Game Schedule

2/12 Drexel University vs. Wagner College (Vidas Field), 12PM
2/12 LaSalle University vs. Iona (McCarthy Stadium), 12PM
2/12 Villanova University vs. William & Mary College (Villanova Stadium), 12PM
2/12 Temple University vs. Army (Howarth Field, ESPN+), 1PM
2/12 St. Joseph’s University vs. University of Maryland (Sweeney Field), 3:30PM
2/19 University of Pennsylvania vs. University of Delaware (Franklin Field), 3PM

For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation visit www.HEADstrong.org or follow @HEADstrongFND on all social media platforms.  

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