Kickin' it for Kids with Cancer is successful for Lady Flames
Photo by Peri McIntosh
The Lee University women's soccer team hosted their annual Kickin' it for Kids with Cancer soccer game Friday night, September 12. This event has been held annually by the Lady Flames to help raise money and awareness for the Austin Hatcher Foundation.
Jim and Amy Jo Osborn founded the Austin Hatcher Foundation after they lost their nine-week-old son, Austin Hatcher Osborn, to an aggressive form of pediatric cancer. Lady Flames Head Coach Matt Yelton and the Lady Flames have helped to raise extensive awareness at Lee University and throughout Cleveland for five years running.
The overall amount of money raised has not been confirmed yet, but Yelton believes that it will be over $25,000.
The Lady Flames did not let the hype and excitement surrounding the game distract them in any way. The Flames jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half behind goals from sophomore co-captain Kinsey Cichowitz and sophomore forward Kaela Leskover. Leskover added a second goal in the second half to secure the 3-0 victory.
Despite getting their first win of the season in their home opener, the Lady Flames felt it was an honor to be apart of something greater than the game of soccer.
'It's an honor to get to play for them, and to be a part of something that is bigger than the game,' senior co-captain Alison Braun said.
Many fans came out to support the cause and the to watch the Lady Flames play their first home game against the University of Finley (Ohio). There were many opportunities to support the Austin Hatcher Foundation as the fans could buy freshly cooked grilled foods, participate in silent auctions and buy raffles for prizes.
Yelton said that he could not have done any of this without the help of his wife Tamara.
'My wife deserves a lot of credit for what we are able to do with the event,' Yelton said.
The Lee University Lady Flames seized a wonderful opportunity to support an important cause, and picked up their first win of the season in the process.
