RADFORD, Va. – The Radford volleyball team made a huge impact in Radford's Annual Relay For Life campaign. In addition to raising money, the squad was involved in all aspects of the event.

“Many of the ladies made it a point to come out and support by setting up and decorating the gymnasium before the event,” commented Thomas Smals, the Chair of Radford's Committee. “They all returned that evening and helped in every way necessary and were a huge asset to this year's event.”

With the help of the squad, the campaign was able to surpass the committee's goal of 52 teams and was part of the recruitment of 694 participants, which included other RU teams as well.

The money brought in was $38,884.45, which was about $2,000 over last year's donations.

Several of the ladies held different positions on the Radford committee. Rising seniors, Megan McWhorter and Carly Fleming were part of the Team Development, which entailed them to bring in sponsors and new teams to this year's event.

Jesse Miedema worked closely with Smals as the Ceremony Chair. She worked very hard with bringing together the Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back ceremonies that took place during the evening.

Emily Carlin was the Logistics Chair, which worked with getting the logistics of the Recreation Center and created the master plan that was followed for the campsite locations and more.

“Thomas did a tremendous job with Relay for Life this year and our kids equaled his passion by really diving in and helping him out,” commented head coach Marci Jenkins. “They all spent a lot of time to make sure that is was successful. I can't tell you how proud I am of the entire team for getting behind Thomas for this cause. This marks the second time we have stepped up to the plate in efforts to help fight cancer. In the fall, we raised $2,040 for the Dig Pink Foundation.”

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

At Relay, teams camp out at a local high schools, parks, or fairgrounds and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to keep a representative on the track at all times during the event, because cancer never sleeps.

Relays are overnight events that can last up to 24 hours.