Florida Tech to Play for Cancer Awareness

MELBOURNE, Fla. (Women’s Soccer) – The Florida Tech women’s soccer team will take their game beyond the Panthers’ home base of Rick Stottler Field and participate in a unique event on Saturday, April 4, as they give back and help raise disease awareness.

The second annual Ovarian Cancer Awareness Matches at Viera Regional Park will feature Tech, Florida International, University of South Florida, Rollins College, Georgia, Florida State, University of Central Florida and the University of Florida. The eight state colleges will face off against each other in friendly matches beginning at 1:30 p.m.

This will be the Panthers first time joining in the festivities as scheduling conflicts prevented them from participating last year.

The event, hosted by Space Coast United Soccer Club and Brevard Parks and Recreation, honors the memory of devoted soccer and community volunteer Chris Szuba, who lost her life to ovarian cancer three years ago. Florida Tech Head coach Fidgi Haig is helping Chris Szuba’s widower, Tom Szuba, president of Space Coast United, organize the event.

“It’s great to be able to play for a good cause,” said Haig. “The girls and I are very excited to be a part of it.”

The day serves three great purposes for Haig and the team: fighting ovarian cancer, honoring Chris Szuba, and exposing the Brevard County to top-level soccer.

“We get a chance to play some quality Division I teams in front of a good crowd,” added Haig.

The event has additional meaning for Florida Tech soccer player DeeDee Newland. The sophomore defender was a former member of the Space Coast United Club soccer team and will be playing against some old friends and teammates.

“I am glad we can come together to help put on such a great cause,” Newland said. “I can’t wait to see some of my best friends and play some high-level soccer with them! I have been counting down the days.”

The occasion also includes the second annual FYSA TOPS Festival for all challenged athletes from the state, beginning at 11 a.m. Food, drinks and T-shirts will be provided for all players. Admission to all of the events is free, but Space Coast United volunteers welcome any donations for the fight against ovarian cancer.