Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Anticipation is growing as the 2022 spring season officially begins this weekend for women’s collegiate 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 amazing daytime hairstyles lady on behalf of families overcome by cancer as part of the “No Place Like Home” initiative in support of the HEADstrong Foundation.
This season, teams are actively participating in Game Hair Havoc, a fundraising campaign powered by the HEADstrong Foundation in which varsity teams use game day hairstyles as a mechanism to raise awareness and funds to support the cause. From battle braids to high buns, each of the Philly Six players will show their spirit and support for those who have lost their hair due to the side effects of their cancer treatment. As each of these teams compete on the pitch this season, it’s a special way for them to come together for the greater good. The proceeds raised will be used to finance nights of accommodation and comfort for the families invited to Nick’s House.
The HEADstrong Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides emotional, financial, logistical, and residential support to local and national families. The organization is headquartered in suburban Philadelphia. Locally, HEADstrong operates Nick’s House, a guest residence for displaced families in the area seeking advanced cancer care and clinical trials.
“Nick’s House gives the home ground advantage to displaced families in our area in the fight of their lives,” said Jill Batcheller, head coach of Villanova University women’s lacrosse. “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 comfort of their homes to continue their treatment. HEADstrong is a cause very close to all of our hearts. Each of our programs has 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 to rally the six NCAA D1 programs. Batcheller, a Philadelphia native, spent the past three seasons in charge of the Drexel Dragons before accepting the head coaching job at Villanova last summer. Hillier, who replaced Batcheller at Drexel last summer, was ironically a classmate and personal friend of HEADstrong founder Nicholas Colleluori at Hofstra University. After accepting his new job, Hillier reached out to the Colleluori family to express his heartfelt support to honor his late friend.
“We are so lucky to have these amazing programs in our backyard and even more honored to call them partners in the fight,” said Cheryl Colleluori, President of HEADstrong and mom to Nick. “It’s empowering, inspiring and uplifting to see all six Philadelphia D1 teams embrace our cause with open arms and use 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 who fight locally and those who are displaced in our region in search of the best possible treatment.”
Philly Six’s No Place Like Home Game Schedule
12/2 – Drexel University vs. Wagner (Vidas Field), 12 p.m.
2/12 – LaSalle University v. Iona (McCarthy Stadium), 12 p.m.
2/12 – Villanova University vs. William & Mary (Villanova Stadium), 12 p.m.
2/12 — Temple University vs. Army (Howarth Field, ESPN+), 1 p.m.
12/2 – St. Joseph’s University vs. Maryland (Sweeney Field), 3:30 p.m.
2/19 – University of Pennsylvania vs. Delaware (Franklin Field), 3 p.m.
For more information about the HEADstrong Foundation, visit www.HEADstrong.org or follow @HEADstrongFND on all social media platforms.
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