Volley For the Cure 

A Rivalry for a Cause: Pickerington North's "Volley for the Cure"

When Pickerington North High School's volleyball team faces its rivals from Gahanna, it's always a big game. But one match each year transcends the competition—the annual "Volley for the Cure." This special event channels the energy of the rivalry into a powerful community effort to fight breast cancer.

The game serves as a major fundraiser, with the Pickerington North community coming together to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The funds support breast cancer research, patient services, and awareness programs.

The Tradition

The "Volley for the Cure" match is a cornerstone of the season, drawing large crowds from both schools, all united for a single cause. The gymnasium is typically transformed into a "Pink Out," with players, coaches, and fans wearing pink to show their support.

Beyond the game, the event often features:

• Fundraising: Activities such as T-shirt sales, bake sales, and raffles are held to maximize donations to the Komen Foundation.

• Awareness: The event is a powerful opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer and early detection.

• Honor: Many games include a ceremony to honor local breast cancer survivors and remember those who have been lost to the disease.

The Annual Rotation

To ensure both communities get to host this important event, the location for the "Volley for the Cure" game alternates each year:

• In odd-numbered years, the game is played at Pickerington North High School.

• In even-numbered years, the game is hosted at Gahanna.

This tradition has made the Pickerington North vs. Gahanna volleyball game a powerful example of how high school sports can bring a community together to make a difference.