Athenas to host Play 4Kay game on Feb. 18

CLAREMONT, Calif. – On Wednesday, Feb. 18 when the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's basketball team hosts Pomona-Pitzer, the teams will take the court ready to fight. However, on this day, the basketball game will take a backseat to the fight against breast cancer, as both teams will be taking part of a nationwide initiative known as Play 4Kay.

On Feb. 16, 2006 as North Carolina State hosted its first Hoops For Hope game, Coach Kay Yow wanted to bring fellow survivors together for a celebration in her beloved home arena, Reynolds Coliseum, located in Raleigh, N.C. This day of hope was the beginning of a remarkable national initiative, which is now known as Play 4Kay. Play 4Kay began in 2007 and since its inception has raised over $3 million. This unique and important initiative serves as a platform for the women's basketball community to come together for a common cause. CMS women's basketball has proudly taken part in Play 4Kay since its inception.

"This event is so important, not just for basketball, but for everyone nationwide," head coach Kristen Dowling said. "It [Play 4Kay] raises awareness for breast cancer and for the women who are fighting, did fight, and are continuing to fight. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by this disease and that's why it touches so many people."

When asked if hosting a Play 4Kay event is something that the team enjoyed doing, Dowling said "Yes, because they themselves have been affected by it [breast cancer]. They love having the opportunity to bring awareness to great causes, especially one that has affected them individually."

Lastly, Coach Dowling had a message for those who have been affected by breast cancer "You are all heroes and your fight is amazing. You are an inspiration to us all and we support you and believe in you. We as a team and individually are thankful for your fight and we want to help and support in any way we can."

Please make sure you come out to support the Play 4Kay game on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Linde Activities Center at Harvey Mudd College. Make sure to wear pink! If you wish to make a donation please visit www.play4kay.org.