CALEDONIA — Seven years ago, senior Bailie Cross came to Caledonia High School volleyball head coach Samantha Brooks with an idea.
It was an idea inspired by a number of high schools across the country coordinating with The Side-Out Foundation, an organization founded in 2006 to combat breast cancer.
“She had gotten some information on it and asked if we could participate,” Brooks said. “I looked into it and researched it and of course checked on credibility and all that and I thought it was something we could do.”
October, recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, coincides perfectly with the conclusion of the high school volleyball season in Mississippi.
Cross’s idea was a ‘Dig Pink Game,’ one that had been done thousands of times, but never by the Cavaliers.
“It turned out that it was an amazing event,” Brooks said. “Every year, I encourage our girls to get on the Side-Out donation website and read the backstory to it. It was a former volleyball coach who’s mom ended up getting cancer. The ‘Dig Pink Game’ sparked not only something within them to give to something bigger, but it helped their season out. The story is really cool.”
What a perfect time to start, but all Caledonia needed was an opponent to make this an annual affair. Brooks, Cross and Caledonia didn’t have to look far for that, going some 20 minutes over in Lowndes County to rival New Hope High School.
In the Golden Triangle region, several rivalries stand out, but none more so than Caledonia/New Hope volleyball.
Arguably two of the most successful volleyball programs in North Mississippi, the choice was perfect, and almost immediately, the Trojans were on board.
“We’ve scheduled this game as one of our last matches of the season so we could bring awareness to breast cancer through this event,” New Hope head coach Allison Woolbright said. “It’s such a great cause that’s impacted so many people that it’s always been supported.”
Support might be an understatement. Despite meager beginnings, Caledonia and New Hope’s annual Dig Pink game has helped raise over $30,000 for breast cancer research.
Caledonia alone has raised $16,800, not including donations from this season.
The hype surrounding this game every year is palpable, and it’s only added to the excitement of this rivalry, one that’s packed out gyms whenever the Cavs and Trojans hit the court.
“I played in it for three years,” Heritage Academy head coach Tori Brooks said. “The first year, it was big, but it wasn’t as big as it is now. I’m really proud of my mom (Caledonia head coach Samantha Brooks) for adding that into her season every single year and expanding it.”
Just last year, Sports Specialty, Inc. of Columbus donated a trophy on behalf of New Hope, giving the game added importance.
“Any time you start something, you don’t know how well it will be supported,” Woolbright said. “Even though it’s a great cause, that first year, we were uncertain of how much support we would get. The response was really good and that inspired us to push harder for the next year.”
All that’s left for Thursday night is the action on the court.
Both Caledonia and New Hope have secured their spots for Mississippi High School Activities Association postseason play.
Thursday is about playing for pride and for a cause bigger than volleyball.
“It’s exciting,” Brooks said. “With this being at the end of the season, it gives the girls something to think about, something to look forward to.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion