Monday, November 10, 2025
The boys and girls varsity soccer teams at South Side High School kicked off a new initiative this October called “Score for Breast Cancer,” aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The idea was conceived just two weeks ago by student-athletes and their parents, and it quickly received approval from school administrators, coaches, the other soccer parents, and the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition.
Starting now and until the end of October, community members are encouraged to participate by pledging donations based on each goal scored or shutout recorded by the varsity teams throughout October, or by making one-time donations. All proceeds go directly to the Breast Cancer Coalition, a local nonprofit that offers financial, emotional, and educational support to those impacted by breast cancer in Nassau County.
Kristen Suarez, one of the parents involved in launching the campaign, emphasized its significance for the community.
“It raises awareness for breast cancer, generates much needed funds for those battling breast cancer, it rallies support for the varsity teams, which is such a great group of kids (who) are so kind and hardworking and compassionate, and it spotlights the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition,” she said.
“We are excited to see how much money can be raised, and it’s a great incentive for the teams to score some goals,” Patrick Maguire, the athletic director of South Side High School, said.
Suarez, whose son in 12th grade and daughter in 10th grade both play soccer at South Side, is also a breast cancer survivor, and she said the initiative “hits close to home” because it helps the organization that provided support to her that she “benefitted tremendously from” during her diagnosis five years ago.
Luca Suarez, a varsity soccer player and Kristen’s son, said the cause is close to his heart because of how close it is to his family.
“This fundraiser is extra special to me since my own mom had breast cancer five years ago,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of a team who cares so much for this community. What a great way to turn our success into support.”
Maguire said the athletic department is hopeful this will be the beginning of something bigger.
“The coaches and athletes are excited to give back to an amazing organization for a wonderful cause,” he said. “We hope this will be a successful event this year and serve as a springboard for similar initiatives in the years to come.”
He added that the idea could eventually expand beyond soccer.
“This is a new initiative,” he said. “I think in the years to come, we will explore ways to involve other sports.”
Some of the girls’ varsity soccer players also shared their personal connection to the cause.
“Knowing that our impact on the field as soccer players and as a team is making a bigger difference off the field is something we all want to feel,” Brooke Doreste, senior and team captain, said. “The month of October is special to every single one of us because we get to play for so much more than a final result, we get to play for an entire community and to support everyone around us. A win or a loss doesn’t matter, it’s what and who we get to play for that does.“
“This cause is so special to me and my teammates because we all know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and being able to directly help raise money for breast cancer is super special to me and to all of us,” senior Kate Koluch said.
Both teams have five games in October, plus potential playoff matches, creating multiple opportunities to drive pledges. Donations can be made at ScoreForBreastCancer.BetterWorld.org/campaigns/score-breast-cancer-benefitting/p/october-goals-shut-outs.
