The girl’s soccer game against Blue Valley West on April 10 was not only about raising money; it was about raising mental health awareness.
SPEAK UP is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and supporting individuals with mental health difficulties. It was started by two families who lost children to suicide and now hope to bridge gaps about these topics throughout the community, according to their website.
This charity was chosen by the soccer team’s captains, seniors Nastassja Garrett and Mia Labounty, in an effort to bring acknowledgement to mental health issues following the tragic events that occurred this school year. The game raised about $900, and all of the proceeds from the game and any additional donations went to this cause.
In another attempt to raise money, a private donor provided three KC Current Pitch Club Tickets to be entered into a raffle during the JV and varsity games. At halftime, the winning raffle tickets were called to claim their prize, valued at $1,350.
Garrett said they picked this charity because a few players on the team were greatly affected by the events of the year, whether they were family or knew them personally. She said she felt it was important to play for something meaningful and relevant to the school’s community.
As for the morale during the game, Garrett said this cause gave them something to play for, other than just winning.
“[It was] a reason why we should fight, something more to stand up for instead of being sad,” Garrett said.
Other players on the team agreed with her, one of which being freshman goalkeeper Brooke Furstenau. She said the significance of competing for SPEAK UP represented how much the girls care and demonstrated that individuals with mental health struggles are not alone.
“It made it more meaningful for people. We wanted to play and win because of it,” Furstenau said.
Knowing the game was for a charity which would help people who were struggling, senior outside forward Kennedy Shank said she was also more motivated and said it was one of her best games of the season.
“It helped me play stronger, knowing that it was for charity,” Shank said. “It’s important to bring awareness to it. Mental health is a huge thing, especially for athletes.”
Though the Huskies were defeated by the Jaguars 3-1, the head soccer coach Michelle Pothoven said this game was not about winning. Charity night is about reminding everyone how soccer is a tool to teach life lessons or help people mature, and she said there are bigger things going on in the world than that moment.
Pothoven said she has appreciated how aware the girls on the team are about how mental health can affect them and are striving to take care of themselves not only physically, but mentally. The team is willing to be supportive and help others with these obstacles.
“It’s not just about winning games, it’s about being human. It’s about helping others, and doing what you can for your community,” Pothoven said.
