By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

It’s amazing what a small group of young girls, a lot of energy, and a big splash of pink can accomplish!

The T.S. Hill Middle School volleyball teams accomplished a lot last week, with the first-ever “Dig Pink” volleyball game in Dexter. In just a handful of days the girls organized, plan and energized a benefit game to help local women facing breast cancer and along the way united area folks behind a common cause.

The gymnasium at the middle school was packed Thursday evening for the Dig Pink game, complete with a sea of pink on the court and in the stands and a real buzz that energized everyone.

Literally planned and organized in just days, the girls and their coaches and parents had put everything into place – ordered the pink balls and referee whistles, contacted a local organization that would receive the funds, collected donations for a silent auction, published the event and decorated the school. It was a complete effort on the part of the two middle school teams and their supporters.

And in the end, the effort was monumental – and raised important awareness about the fight against breast cancer and funds to help the cause.

“I am very proud of the volleyball girls and coaches in the effort they put forth not only on the court but into the Dig Pink event,” said middle school assistant principal Angie Duncan. I” am very thankful for the community support in making the event successful.”

Coach Melissa Hahn said she was excited to see the stands full of fans for the game and for the community support that “fired up” the teams.

“Teachers and coaches are always looking for ways to motivate their students/players. We want them to make those connections where they will take what they have learned, build upon it and use it in their lives. I really feel that the preparations leading up to the ‘Dig Pink’ event and the game itself provided these girls with an experience that will stay with them way beyond middle school,” Hahn said.

Hahn said the girls could feel the energy of the crowd and the support of the community behind their efforts.

“It energized them not only to play awesome volleyball, but to work hard and to give back,” she said. “Our team huddle saying is ‘How do we play? - HARD - SMART – TOGETHER’! These girls are smart, work hard and together can make a very big difference in our community.”

Working hard, smart and together the girls did make a difference, raising $2,133.95. They decided as a team that the money would be given to 18 Fore Life and designated to help local women fighting breast cancer.

Scott Kruse of the 18 Fore Life organization heaped praise on the girls and the community.

“Nothing about this community's generosity surprises you anymore,” Kruse said. “When great people run with a great idea, great things can happen and it did. The players and coaches were amazing. They literally threw this together and yet it looked as if they had spent a month planning and organizing. I would say they have proven to be champions on the court, but this shows an understanding of wanting to do something more than just win games. This was just an incredible night.”

Kruse noted that the winner of a 50-50 drawing was from Poplar Bluff. But the gentleman knew the work of the 18 Fore Life organization and donated his prize money back to the Dig Pink cause.

Hahn is looking forward to the Dig Pink event growing next year.

“We have already started planning next year's DIG PINK event and a few of my eighth grade players let me know they want to participate and help out even though they will be in high school,” the coach said. “I look forward to watching this event grow bigger every year. I also look forward to following this very special and talented group of 7th and 8th grade volleyball players over the next several years. I am confident they will continue to amaze me.”

And yes, both the seventh and eighth grade girls won their games against Poplar Bluff – both in just two sets!