Women's Basketball | 1/19/2009 2:01:22 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.- Methodist University has partnered with the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) to host a “Pink Zone” basketball game Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. In an effort to increase breast cancer awareness, the Monarchs are working hard to raise money for the Kay Yow/WBCA Breast Cancer Fund and Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation Friends of the Cancer Center.

All fans wearing pink to the game will be admitted free with a donation to support breast cancer awareness. The Methodist team will play in pink uniforms to show their support. For fans looking to support the cause, Methodist is selling “Pink Zone” T-shirts. Shirts can be purchased prior to the event at MU basketball games or online. Throughout the game, a silent auction will include autographed balls by North Carolina State Head Coach Kay Yow, University of Tennessee Head Coach Pat Summitt, University of North Carolina Head Coach Sylvia Hatchell and her team, Syrcacuse University Head Coach Jim Boeheim and former NBA star Michael Jordan.

At halftime of the basketball game, Methodist will honor breast cancer survivors as another way to increase awareness regarding one of the most common invasive cancers among women in the United States.

The WBCA's "Pink Zone" initiative is a global, unified effort for the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The WBCA began "Pink Zone" (formerly Think Pink) in 2007 as an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in women's basketball, on campuses and in communities. Last year, the Methodist University women's basketball program raised $3,350 dollars to present to Kay Yow for her fund.

“Kay Yow has always been an inspiration to me—not only as a coach, but as a player,” said Methodist's Head Coach DeeDee Jarman. “She is devoted to North Carolina State, the Kay Yow/WBCA Breast Cancer Fund, and the game of basketball; we are delighted to have the opportunity to give back.

Tickets for this special game can be purchased at the door. For more information, contact the Methodist University Athletic Department at (910) 630-7175.

Breast cancer survivors interested in participating in the event should contact DeeDee Jarman at (910) 630-7283 or djarman@methodist.edu.

T-Shirt Order Form

Pink Zone Central

About the WBCA
Founded in 1981, the WBCA promotes women's basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game as a sport for women and girls. For additional information about the WBCA, please visit wbca.org.