NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - When the North Salem High School volleyball teams take the court in October, they’re playing for something bigger than a win.
For more than a decade, the program has dedicated the month to community action—raising thousands of dollars for breast cancer research through the Side-Out Foundation. This year, they’ve already surpassed their $5,000 goal and are still going strong.
“Bringing attention to this is extremely important for awareness, for research, and for keeping it on people’s minds,” said senior Bella, who hopes the team’s efforts will also inspire more people to get screened for cancer.
Their impact reaches far beyond the gym.
“I continue to be awed by how supportive our community and the surrounding communities are every year during our campaign,” said head coach Toni Fiore. “Many of the people we meet at our events have their own stories of how breast cancer has affected their lives and their loved ones’ lives.”
This year’s fundraising kicked off at Bobo’s Café in Somers, where the players served coffee in exchange for donations, followed by a car wash at the Croton Falls Fire Department. The momentum built throughout the month with “Pink Out” games featuring student-athletes decked out in pink socks, face paint, and dyed hair. The campaign culminated with a volleyball tournament at the high school that brought together seven local teams.
“This is more than just North Salem—it’s bigger than that,” said senior Allison. “It’s all of us working toward one common goal, together.”
For Bella, the cause carries special meaning. She has stepped into a leadership role once held by her older sister Gigi (’23), bringing the same energy and enthusiasm that inspired the team in previous years.
“It’s a legacy between my sister and me, carrying on that tradition,” Bella said. Reflecting on what motivates her, she added, “Don’t expect others to give as much as you will. Do it because you want to. Do it because it matters to you.”
Coach Fiore couldn’t agree more.
“I am consistently impressed by Bella’s leadership, her maturity, and her drive,” she said. “Her efforts and her passion for this cause motivate all of us to do more and to give back as much as possible.”
Contributions to the team’s campaign can be made at https://giving.side-out.org/campaigns/22411.
Article courtesy of North Salem Central School District.
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