Bonita Volleyballers Dig Pink, Especially in October — by Candace Guereque

Ashley Maxfeldt hopes to help spike cancer during the upcoming Dig Pink volleyball event at Bonita, Oct. 21.

The girls on the Bonita varsity team aren’t just pretty in pink; they’re fierce, furious and ferocious in pink when their common opponent is breast cancer.

That’s why the girls will be logging double-duty on Oct. 21, when they face the task of taking on not only Los Altos, last year’s defending CIF champion, but also the challenge of raising $3,000 that same night to fight breast cancer at the Dig Pink fundraiser in the Bearcats gym.

Last year, the Bearcats’ Allie LaPierre, now playing volleyball for UCLA, carried the torch for Bonita’s participation in the inaugural event that raised $2,200. This year, that mantle of leadership has been passed to senior Ashley Maxfeldt, the team’s outstanding setter who has accepted a scholarship to Loyola next fall.

“She’s a really great leader,” said Bonita varsity coach Adriana Contreras.

The way Maxfeldt digs for every point on the volleyball court is the same way she has been battling to spread awareness of breast cancer’s scourge and how people in the La Verne community can join her and her teammates in the fight against it. She has been relentless in getting the word out and expressing her passion.

“Breast cancer is a huge disease facing women and even men, and with the support of myself and my peers and other adults in the area, we can really make a difference in helping those victims,” Maxfeldt said.

One of the ways Bonita fans and the entire community can make a difference is to buy “Dig Pink” merchandise online and at the Oct. 21 game against Los Altos. The team is also asking businesses to donate gift cards and raffle items, including services such as lessons and tutoring, that will be raffled off at the game. People who wish to contribute should contact Coach Contreras at a.contreras@email.bonita.k12.ca.us.

Four days prior to the Dig Pink event, the Bonita volleyball girls will also be out in force at Carl’s Jr. in La Verne on Oct. 17, washing cars to wash away cancer.
 
Their work, and the community’s support, is urgent. In 2010, it’s estimated there will be 207,000 new cases of breast cancer, resulting in about 40,000 deaths, according to the National Breast Cancer Institute.
 
So turn out for the car wash on Oct. 17 and cheer for Bonita on Oct. 21. Bonita’s colors are green and white, but in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bonita’s talented team also wants you to think pink!