As if we as UP students did not already boast about our women’s soccer team enough, here’s another reason.
This season the team will be continuing its relationship with the Ronald McDonald House Charities by conducting a season-long silent jersey auction. For avid Pilot fans and the detail-oriented, many may notice the team sporting different warm-up jerseys for the remainder of the season. For those who are superstitious, do not fear, it’s for a very good cause.
Two seniors spearheading the project, goalkeeper Erin Dees and midfielder Ellen Parker gave some more information about the long tradition of Pilots soccer with Ronald McDonald House, the importance of service to the team and the logistics of the jersey auction.
Where did the idea this idea come from and why Ronald McDonald House?
Parker: The team has worked with Ronald McDonald House a lot in the past. Teams before us have actually decorated a Pilots themed room at the House. There’s a longstanding relationship with the charity. We did something similar to the jersey auction for Harper’s Playground in the past, and it worked really well, but it only spanned a couple of games and resulted in us making around $5,000. This time, it will be throughout the season in hopes that we can raise more money for the charity. We will wear the new Ronald McDonald warm-up jerseys for pre-game so everyone can see them. Then, the silent auction will occur during home games throughout the season.
Where did the jersey design come from?
Parker: We got these really nice black jerseys for the event and put the (Ronald McDonald) emblem on them. Whitney Stipetich, our director of operations, actually helped design them. The design is understated but awesome.
Does spearheading this project have a special significance for you both as seniors and leaders on the team?
Dees: To me, it’s been a tradition through our program. We have had the Pilot room for six years, so for players that haven’t even committed yet, when they join the team they will also recognize the significance of this tradition and our relationship to Ronald McDonald House as a special aspect of being a Pilot and something they can carry forward.
Parker: It definitely feels like something we need to leave behind. By doing something more substantial this season it reinforces our relationship to the charity and our commitment to the community in a much larger way.
For collectors of Pilot’s swag, this is a fantastic opportunity to compete in a no-holds, gritty silent auction while supporting a wonderful charity. May the best wallet win.
