MURFREESBORO, NC - The women's basketball team participated in a nationwide campaign to raise awareness for cancer and cancer research when they took part in the WBCA's PinkZone game. On February 21st, the Hawks biggest accomplishment may not just have been on the court that day. Not only did Chowan wrap up their 2008-09 season with a home win over Columbia Union, the Hawks were one of 1,500 schools nation wide to participate in the annual event that this year raised over $800,000. All proceeds will be donated to the WBCA's Kay Yow Breast Cancer Research Fund.

The Hawks were able to raise over $250 on game day that will be contributed to the WBCA/Kay Yown Fund but more importantly, the fan participation was amazing. "We were able to recognize survivors as well as raise awareness of this vicious disease using a great platform in women's athletics," said Meredith Long, the athletic department's Senior Woman Administrator. "It was a total collaboration between our community and not just our women's basketball program, but  many sports teams on our campus. Our student-athlete advisory committee got involved along with many of our sports teams. It was a great effort on so many parts, that we now have a strong base to build on for future PinkZone events."

Head Women's Basketball Coach Patrick Mashuda is in agreement with Long. "This event was a huge step forward for us as a team and as a department. This year's results only make us want to grow this event for next year," said Mashuda. "We battle on the court day in and day out, but the real survivors are those who hang tough with this disease. We hope that we played a role in helping to raise a little bit of money, but more importantly, we hoped to have raised everyone's awareness of this disease and the many, many people it effects."

The women's basketball team was one of 1,500 schools that took part in the nationwide campaign.