Athletics | Community | Events | NewsOctober 09, 2023

Fight Breast Cancer with UAFS Volleyball and Annual Pink Out Match

Written By: Rachel Putman

The UAFS Stubblefield Center will be awash in a sea of pink this Tuesday as fans and players come together to rally against breast cancer. The annual UAFS Volleyball Pink Out match is set to kick off at 6 p.m., October 10.

In an electrifying match-up, the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith will face off against Arkansas Tech in its final non-conference game of the season. This marks the first time UAFS has hosted Arkansas Tech in any sport, and fans of both teams are encouraged to don pink attire as the River Valley unites to fight against breast cancer. UAFS volleyball players will join fans in the pink out, proudly wearing their pink jerseys for the match. 

In what has become a cherished annual tradition, UAFS Athletics invites a local breast cancer survivor to make an honorary first serve ahead of the game. This year, Fort Smith community leader Bev Ramsey will do the honors. Diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer at age 39, Ramsey battled a recurrence in 2006. Today, she celebrates 20 years cancer-free. Using her personal journey as a light for others, Ramsey is known in Fort Smith as the owner of both Pink Ribbon Boutique and The Artistic Bean downtown. The boutique specializes in post-mastectomy products, extending support "from diagnosis to forever."

Generosity will also be on display as donations amassed during the game will aid local patients through the Fort Smith Reynold's Cancer Support House.

Katie Beineke, UAFS's senior associate athletic director, said, "I have a deep passion advocating for women’s health, and we have a unique opportunity in sports to use our platforms to advocate for vital causes like breast cancer awareness." 

Beineke, who carries the BRCA1 gene mutation, has undergone a preventative double mastectomy, emphasizing the importance of education and awareness in combatting the disease.

She added, "Breast cancer is a reality for many, including myself, and our head coach Jane Sargent, who is celebrating her 8th year of remission."

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the UAFS Ticket Office. For those unable to attend, the match will be live-streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network. Live stats will also be accessible at uafortsmithlions.com.

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• Pink Out
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