HAGERSTOWN, Md. (August 15, 2026) – Volleyball took center stage for a cause bigger than the game Saturday as NJCAA Region 20 hosted its inaugural
Play4Kay Volleyball Tournament at Hagerstown Community College.
Twelve teams from across NJCAA Region 20 participated in the day-long event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tournament brought student-athletes, coaches and fans together not only to compete on the court, but also to raise awareness and support for the fight against cancers affecting women.
Institutions represented included Allegany College of Maryland, Anne Arundel Community College, Cecil College, Chesapeake College, College of Southern Maryland, Frederick Community College, Hagerstown Community College, Harford Community College, Howard Community College, Montgomery College, Penn Highlands Community College and WVU Potomac State College. The event, hosted by Hagerstown Community College, began with a powerful message from Jennifer Dean, who is currently battling cancer and is the mother of Region 20 athletic trainer Carita Mills. Dean encouraged student-athletes to advocate for their own health by listening to their bodies, asking questions and taking an active role in their healthcare. The event also featured a community component, as participating college programs conducted a free youth volleyball clinic during the lunch break. Local athletes had the opportunity to learn from collegiate players while experiencing the positive impact athletics can have beyond competition.
For the Allegany College of Maryland Trojans, the tournament provided an opportunity for a young team under new leadership to compete while supporting an important cause.
"It was an honor for our student-athletes to be part of an event that was about something much bigger than volleyball," said ACM head coach Kylie Heyne. "The Play4Kay initiative reminds us that sports can bring people together, create awareness and make a meaningful difference in our communities. Our team was proud to represent Allegany College of Maryland and stand alongside the other Region 20 programs in support of women affected by cancer."
Sue Brugh, Region 20 Women's Director, emphasized the broader impact of the event.
"Play4Kay is about so much more than volleyball," Brugh said. "It gives our student-athletes an opportunity to use the platform they have as college athletes to make a difference in the lives of others. Bringing 12 teams together for this event, and then having those teams give back to local youth through the clinic, really represents what collegiate athletics should be about."
Playing for a Greater Purpose
Play4Kay is the signature fundraising initiative of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, bringing together players, coaches, officials, fans and communities across the country to support the fight against all cancers affecting women.
The initiative honors the legacy of legendary NC State women's basketball coach Kay Yow, who battled breast cancer for 22 years before her passing in 2009. Established in 2007, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund supports groundbreaking cancer research, quality-of-life programs, underserved populations and community engagement efforts.
Today, Play4Kay events are held nationwide and serve as a reminder that athletics can be a powerful vehicle for education, advocacy and hope.
"Today was a great example of how athletics can bring people together for something bigger than competition," said Mandi Larkin, Athletic Director at WVU Potomac State College. "We are proud of the commitment shown by our Region 20 volleyball programs and grateful to Hagerstown Community College for providing a place for these teams to come together and make an impact."
Support the Region 20 Play4Kay Team
Community members who would like to support the NJCAA Region 20 Play4Kay effort can make a donation through the Region 20 fundraising page. Every contribution helps support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and its mission to fight cancers affecting women through research, quality-of-life initiatives and support for underserved communities.
To donate, visit:
https://charity.pledgeit.org/njcaap4k27/teams/@region20P4K
The Region 20 Play4Kay Volleyball Tournament demonstrated the power of collegiate athletics to compete, connect with communities and create an impact that extends far beyond the final score.
