Girls’ Soccer Team Raises Funds For Stroke Awareness

The girls’ soccer team held its annual fundraiser game yesterday as the Knights played against Immaculata High School. Instead of their usual attire of blue and white, the Knights competed in red and pink alternate uniforms with the wording of "B.E. F.A.S.T" on the back. "FAST" serves as an acronym (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time) to help people detect signs of stroke.

 

The fundraiser was especially meaningful this year, as all proceeds from the team's school-wide uniform sale went to GSB's Rob Rossiter Scholarship Fund. The scholarship was created to honor the memory of Rob Rossiter, GSB parent of Matthew '21 and Lauren '23, who passed away this past summer due to a stroke. Lauren currently serves as a midfielder on the soccer team, and was surprised, yet honored, when the seniors approached her with the idea of choosing this cause as the fundraiser.

 

"It means everything to me that the team would come out and choose this to be the fundraiser this year," said Rossiter. "They took it upon themselves to think of me and my family, and it is really amazing how they have brought the whole community together. I think that is the most important thing about today; it is not only a tribute to my dad, but it helps raise awareness within the community about stroke signs and how it is good to be prepared in an emergency."

 

While the game resulted in the Knights' loss by 1-0, what was truly one of the best aspects of being part of interscholastic sports was being able to celebrate a team and a community coming together as one for a great cause.