Brookdale Community College, Women's Volleyball, And The Athletic Department Partner To Spike Out Cancer Event
Lincroft, NJ - Brookdale Community College, the women's volleyball team, and the Athletics Department partnered to assist in a recent fundraising event entitled, "Spike Out Cancer," to support a local Middletown resident with pancreatic cancer.
October 10, 2025
Lincroft, NJ - Brookdale Community College, the women's volleyball team, and the Athletics Department partnered to assist in a recent fundraising event entitled, "Spike Out Cancer," to support a local Middletown resident with pancreatic cancer.
The Middletown High School North girls' volleyball team recently hosted the "Spike Out Cancer" fundraiser to support their former head coach, April Owen. Owen, a Middletown resident and paraprofessional at Harmony Elementary School, had to step down from her coaching position this year to undergo treatment for pancreatic cancer.
The team rallied together to help Owen offset the costs of living and treatments while she awaits disability benefits. They sold T-shirts with sponsor support so that all proceeds would go directly to Owen and her family. Additionally, all snack stand money from the event was donated to the cause. The fundraiser took place during the Middletown North vs. Middletown South girls volleyball game at Brookdale Community College in the Robert J. Collons Arena on Wednesday, October 8th.
The choice of playing against Middletown South was significant, highlighting the unity within the Middletown community despite the rivalry between the two schools. Owen has not only coached girls from Middletown North but also trained players from the Middletown South volleyball team. Furthermore, her nieces and nephews attend Middletown South, deepening the connection between the two communities.
The event served as an opportunity to honor Owen, raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, and demonstrate the strength of the Middletown community rallying around one of their own. Supporters were encouraged to wear purple, the color associated with pancreatic cancer awareness.
Brookdale Community College donated everything back to Middletown for the cause as the Jersey Blues women's volleyball team and the Athletics Department played a significant role in the event's success as well. The Athletics Department kept the score and clock and the volleyball team assisted as line judges and ball retrievers. Members of the team also lent a hand at the concessions table, further contributing to the fundraising efforts.
Adding to the spirit of the event, the Brookdale women's volleyball team hosted their own game following the high school matchup against the Community College of Philadelphia.
