Colonie Girls Lacrosse and 15forLife Team Up to Tackle Mental Health Stigma

The Colonie Girls Lacrosse program is once again partnering with the 15forLife Foundation to raise awareness about mental health in athletics. On Thursday, May 1 at 7 p.m., the team will take on Shaker High School in the annual Mental Matters Matchup, hosted at Colonie. The event not only showcases athletic talent but also highlights the importance of mental wellness—on and off the field.

Led by Coach Layne Woodard, Colonie Lacrosse has proudly stepped into its role as an ambassador for 15forLife, a foundation dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention in honor of Rob Kavovit. The Connolly family, who are part of the Colonie Lacrosse community, have a personal connection to the Kavovit family, making this partnership even more meaningful.

“This game is bigger than lacrosse,” said Woodard. “It’s about creating space for open conversations and showing our athletes that it’s okay to not be okay.”

To support the initiative, the team is selling custom-designed Mental Matters shirts, with all proceeds benefiting the 15forLife Foundation. Players and coaches will wear the shirts, which feature the foundation’s logo, during warm-ups and throughout the event.

Purchase your shirt here: 15forLife Shirts.  Orders due by April 15.

Support the cause. Show up. Speak up.

Join us on May 1 and help make mental health a priority—for our athletes, our schools, and our entire community.