Taking A Shot: Rivers Athletes Supporting Brain Cancer Research Through Sports

ASFL all-star games and shooting competitions are unlike typical sports contests. They are mission-driven events where athletes are pushed to the limits in terms of ability, endurance, precision, and mental focus. In the shooting competitions, players must shoot continuously for two hours–with a brief halftime break–while rotating through five segments, including free throws, mid-range jumpers, and three-pointers. The most efficient shooter by overall percentage is the winner and subsequently named the best shooter in the state. 

 

Athletes are hand-selected through an extensive scouting and interview process, committing to fundraising minimums of at least $1,000. According to ASFL founder Mike Slonina, ASFL’s achievements are due to a competitive spirit combined with the personal fulfillment that comes from philanthropy and a deep attachment to this worthy cause.

Since 2011, Rivers has hosted two ASFL events and participated in numerous off-campus events that engage communities, inspire hope, and support groundbreaking research. Rivers hosted its second ASFL event, featuring an All-Star game and shooting competition, on July 30, 2024, at the MacDowell Athletic Center’s Benson Gymnasium. The energy in the gym was palpable as athletes competed for a cause greater than themselves.

“The atmosphere was amazing,” said Rissi Smith ’25 (basketball, Stonehill). “You could tell that everyone there was participating for a positive and meaningful reason. Nobody was focused on scoring the most points or winning MVP—it was purely about bringing positivity and awareness to the cause.”

For many participants, ASFL is deeply personal. Smith dedicated her efforts to loved ones affected by cancer. “Last year, my grandfather passed away from stage four colon cancer. Even though it wasn’t the same cancer I was fundraising for, it was still incredibly meaningful because I know what it feels like to lose someone you love to cancer. I wanted to do anything I could to help fight it.” Her commitment extended to honoring her father and grandmother, both cancer survivors. “During the shooting competition, I was playing for him, my Nana, and my dad. My Nana had breast cancer, and my dad had stage three skin cancer. Seeing them fight through such difficult times put everything into perspective—shooting for two hours straight was nothing compared to what they went through.”

“Being a part of A Shot For Life has meant a lot to me,” said Ryan Altman ’25 (basketball, University of Pennsylvania). “My grandma passed away from pancreatic cancer, so anything I can do to help raise money for cancer research is amazing. Getting to combine playing basketball with helping others is something that truly can’t be beaten.”

 

Abby Lorion ’25 (soccer, Holy Cross) comes from a family of avid fundraisers and emphasized that joining the ASFL family was a way for her to be directly involved in fundraising for a personal cause.” Raising money for cancer research hit particularly close to home, as a few years ago, my great uncle passed away from glioblastoma,” said Lorion. “Walking into orientation, I was thrilled to hear how the direct contributions from athletes saved a man who otherwise was going to die from a brain tumor and how he lives healthily today.”

  

ASFL celebrates the collective spirit and drive, not just about individual success. “The actual event gave me a chance to play with and against future college teammates, and it was a really lighthearted and fun experience with music, mascots, and team spirit,” said Lorion. “ASFL is so much bigger than the game.”

 

Thirteen Rivers students were selected and competed in 2024, representing basketball, field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse.

Slonina stressed the importance and value of participation and support from the Rivers community over the years. “We are incredibly proud of all the Rivers athletes and their families who have contributed so meaningfully to the cause,” he said.

Shot For Life has proven to be more than just a sports competition; it is a movement that combines passion, athleticism, and philanthropy to make a meaningful difference. The Rivers community is honored to play a role in this initiative, and their contributions will continue to fuel vital research in the fight against cancer. As ASFL grows, so does the hope for a cure, driven by the dedication of athletes, families, and supporters committed to making a lasting impact.