The Dig Pink volleyball game is one of the most popular sporting events at NDB. The game is highly attended by students, parents and teachers alike, all who come out to support the volleyball teams in their games as they also represent the fight against breast cancer. This game is also seen as a social event for many students because they get the chance to watch the games with their friends and come dressed up in pink to show their spirit. It is widely talked about at school during the days leading up to it. But, what does all of this look like from the perspective of a player in the game?
This was my third year playing in the Dig Pink game, and the nerves and excitement of it have never lessened. For the volleyball teams, preparations for the game start much sooner than people think. The varsity team films their hype video weeks in advance, and teams spend time organizing special things they want to wear for the game, such as pink spandex or laces for their shoes. This year, even more emphasis was placed on the game with the opportunity to get an extra day off of school if enough people attended, which was announced over the loudspeaker in the mornings as a reminder to students. This added another layer of nervousness for players because it meant there would be a large crowd, which is both exciting and nerve-racking.
As I walked into the gym the night of Dig Pink to watch the freshman and JV games, I watched as the crowd started to grow as time got closer and closer to the start of the varsity game. When the JV game ended and it was our turn to take the court, we were unable to hear the voices of each other over the sound of the crowd. Even though everyone is chatting with each other as warmups take place, it feels as if all eyes are on you. As Student Services Coordinator Barbara Tauskey gave her moving speech about her battle with breast cancer, we are reminded that we are playing for a cause bigger than ourselves. All of the pink in the stands is not there because it looks cute. It is there to represent the meaning of the event and all of the women who have been subjected to breast cancer. Seeing this, you are reminded about the importance of the game that you are about to play in and how your school is there behind you. Everyone expecting an exciting night.
When I lined up next to my teammates as we waited for the lights to shut off and the intro video to be played, we were all full of nerves. We hear the crowd yelling as the video is played and get ready for the line up to be called afterwards. When the lights turn back on and they start announcing each player’s name, everyone shakes with excitement as they wait for their turn. We all go one by one throwing our miniature volleyballs out into the crowd. Everybody is nervous that they are going to miss their throw. And then, the only thing left to do is to meet the other team in the middle of the court and begin.
As the whistle is blown and the first serve is made, the crowd goes quiet. Everyone’s nerves are at their peak during the first few plays, but they start to ease up after a little bit. Eventually, we all become used to the crowd, and their cheers and chatter are drowned into the background of the game. We are all still very aware of the amount of people that are watching, and their presence is felt every time a good play happens and the stands erupt into cheers.
Although we lost the Dig Pink game this year, playing in it is always an incredible experience. It is amazing to see the amount of work that goes into supporting the game and the fight against breast cancer, and I think it is a very special event at NDB that means a lot to the entire community, not just the volleyball players.
