October 23, 2021
UPDATED: Monday, Oct. 25, 1PM
Centenary University’s field hockey team spearheaded an initiative called Stripe the Field Pink to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which runs Oct. 1-31. Cyclones Michaela Thiessen ’23 of Augusta, NJ, and Victoria Schirripa ’24 of Howell, NJ, initially proposed the idea, and Head Coach Stephen Speirs arranged for the field to be striped pink.
Centenary is believed to have the only field hockey pitch in the nation that is lined pink.
The photos of Coach Speirs (pink hair) and his team were taken at the team’s recent Pink Out Game held at Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ. A pink field hockey ball was used during the game.
Sat., Oct. 23, 11 am
In addition to playing on a pink-lined field, Centenary’s field hockey team will sport pink pre-game shirts, socks, and shoelaces in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Head Coach Stephen Speirs has also pledged to dye his hair pink, as well as wear pink socks and a kilt.
Where: Centenary University, 400 Jefferson St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840, Field Hockey Field
Stripe the Field Pink is an initiative by the Centenary University field hockey team to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which runs Oct. 1-31. Cyclones Michaela Thiessen ’23 and Victoria Schirripa ’24 initially proposed the idea, and Head Coach Stephen Speirs then arranged for the field to be striped pink. Centenary is believed to have the only field hockey pitch in the nation that is lined pink.
Thiessen said, “Seeing our field lined pink brought me to tears when I first saw it. I was filled with so much joy to see what our team pushed for so we could stand for a good cause. Our team loves these lines and hope that they can stay forever as a reminder for what we support. We can’t stop talking about it.”
Noting that several of his players have been affected by breast cancer through the diagnoses of loved ones, Speirs added, “I am so impressed with our field hockey student-athletes for standing together and requesting that our field hockey lines be painted pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A special thank you to Victoria Schirripa for suggesting it, and to Michaela Thiessen for taking the lead on this project and advocating for its completion as soon as possible. Seeing our field lined pink is a clear message to everyone that Centenary University supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is ‘Playing For The Cure.’ This visible sign of support for this great cause has touch many beyond our field hockey team. The message is clear as ‘pink.’ Everyone who has seen the pink lines has expressed a heartfelt thank you for our effort and support for the cause.”
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township and degree and certificate programs also offered in Parsippany, online, and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.