Kendrick, Genesee Softball Teams Playing for a Greater Cause
GENESEE, ID-"It’s super important to know that it’s not just softball," said Genesee coach Charise Burke.
"It builds character, it disciplines them to be a better person, a better individual, it shows teamwork and that we can appreciate one another."
Fans gathered to watch a showdown between Genesee and Kendrick. There was plenty of action on offense from both teams to show for, but in the end Kendrick beat Genesee 18-14 in game one of their doubleheader.
"I think both teams did very well today, they watched the seams roll in, they kept their eye on the ball," Burke said. "Defense was great on both sides, i think it was a phenomenal game, and we definitely gave a show."
It was much more than just your regular softball game. Genesee was sporting the grey, while Kendrick in black. They wore t-shirts that read "strike out cancer."
They even had teal and purple ribbons in their hair to show support for the Lili GC foundation, a non profit founded this year to support women with gynecological cancers.
Their message is that no one fights alone.
"We rally around one another. I don’t mean just Lewiston and Clarkston , it's the whole surrounding area," said Lili GC co-founder Jen Shubert.
"We have a unique community that just loves one another so well, and it’s been really fun to watch.”
In the first game alone, the Genesee and Kendrick communities rallied together, raising 942 dollars.
"Our goal was really to just increase awareness and the fact they were that generous and raised almost 1,000 in the first game, that’s just mind blowing," Shubert said.
The game was a chance to raise money for a greater cause, but for coach Charise Burke, this game was personal.
"When I was 17 years old, I lost my mom to cancer, and it was during softball season," Burke said. "The head coach for Genesee Bryan Malcom was my coach in Culdesac, so he's been my coach ever since then, and this is our 14th year coaching together."
Both coaches also gave an important message to the players surrounding the game.
"Show support, be there for one another, just like we’re going to be there for someone that we don’t even know today," Burke said.
"So I think the message is just to have fun."
