On Thursday, September 26th, 2024, The Morgan Field Hockey Team played their annual Grey Game. They played Valley at Indian River Turf at 6 p.m. and improved their record to 4 -1. “I am very proud of the effort the girls put into the game,” Coach KJ said. “[They were] able to make three goals and successfully score a penalty stroke.”
Krystina Johnson (KJ), the assistant coach, began the Grey Games in 2023. In April of that year, her father wasdiagnosed with brain cancer. It was a difficult shift, and she is still currently dealing with it. KJ wanted to raise awareness, especially because her dad was going through treatment.
The Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance helped KJ’s family in a variety of ways. This backed her proposal for the new season addition. “This is something I’m beginning to look forward to every year,” KJ told me. With all the proceeds going to the charity, it was an opportunity to repay the organization’s kindness. The money is instantly disturbed to individuals they assist. Overall, instilling hope, providing therapy to everybody diagnosed, and wanting to lead research are the biggest points.
This nonprofit is local and was founded by close friends. The primary reason was because they had been diagnosed with brain tumors. Tracey Gamer-Fanning and Jennifer Pace, who were feeling lonely, decided to form a community organization. “Never, never feel alone,” was their main goal.
Having this one-time theme invites more people to engage. Six raffle baskets were available, including “Pasta Night,”
“Spa Night,” “Movie Night,” “Baking Night,” “Taco Night,” and “” Fall Fun.” Spa night was the most popular, with a massage certificate and various soaps/scrubs. Anyone interested, purchased tickets, and these were raffled off. The fundraiser raised around $600 for The Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance. Prior to the Grey Game, responsibilities were divided to help create something special for KJ. The players wore gray socks and gray ribbons in their hair, per tradition.
“Everyone played very well, and we all stayed super positive and supportive of each other!” Meredith O’Brien stated, one of the captains and seniors on The Morgan Field Hockey Team. This season, everyone had a better attitude, which clearly benefited in ways. They won more games and were able to beat harder teams. Now, each player looks forward to future seasons, the Grey Game especially.
