TAMPA, Fla. – Purple, pink and teal were the dominant colors Saturday afternoon at Corbett Stadium as the USF lacrosse program hosted its Headstrong game in honor of those battling cancer.
With a ribbon flowing from her hair and wearing a wristband with her mother’s name, sophomore midfielder Natalie Kelly gave her typical outstanding effort in a 22-11 win over Charlotte. Her mother, Denyele Fiacco, was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer.
“When I found out about her cancer, it was like I didn’t even know what to think,” said the Bel Air, Md. native. “It doesn’t seem real, but the support that my coaches and my teammates are showing me means everything and more. I cannot put it into words. ”
That support was evident prior to a sun-splashed and breezy afternoon when family members were recognized. It was a moment that Kelly and her teammates carried with them through 60 minutes of play.
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“My teammates said all day that we were playing for something bigger than ourselves today,” she said. “Honestly, I can look in the mirror and say that my problems are so insignificant in the grand scheme of things.”
It should come as absolutely no surprise that the finance major, who would like to be a financial advisor, is a team captain.
“Nat has meant so much to us because she is a captain on our team and always remains true to her leadership,” said coach Mindy McCord, whose team led by a goal at the half and by three after three quarters before breaking the game open with a 10-goal fourth quarter. “Her leadership does not waver no matter what she is going through. I am glad we could step up as a lacrosse family and play for Denyele and other parents who have been affected by cancer.”
The win put a bow on a memorable day for Kelly and her teammates, a day that began with them thinking about Denyele and others engaged in a similar battle.
“Being from Maryland, I am far from home and not near my mother,” said Kelly. “But my coaches and teammates always make it feel like I have a home away from home.”
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