Pink Out to Honor Gaye Merrill

PROVO -- With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the BYU women’s volleyball team has a number of events planned to promote the cause and to remember former Cougar trainer, Gaye Merrill, who passed away in May after a long fight with breast cancer.

At Utah Valley University on Oct. 9, the Wolverines wore pink ribbons to promote the cause and sustained a moment of silence in honor of Merrill.

Friday at 7:30 a.m., the team will plant tulips and strawberry plants outside the southwest corner of the Richards Building on campus. “This tradition began last year,” BYU head coach Shay Goulding said. “It will serve as a special reminder of our dear friend Gaye and others who have beat, are still fighting, or who have ultimately lost their fight to breast cancer.”

Saturday night the Cougars will host conference opponent UNLV at 7 p.m. and the first 250 fans will receive a free pink BYU t-shirt. Also, all fans that arrive wearing pink will be able to get into the match for $1.

Before the match starts on Saturday, Merrill will be recognized and all will partake in a moment of silence.

This season, the athletic training department had wristbands made for the women's volleyball and gymnastics teams that say, “Wish it, Dream it, Do it!”, one of Merrill’s favorite sayings, along with another bracelet with angel wings to remind them that Merrill is still watching over them.

The team will wear pink jerseys during the UNLV match.

All are encouraged to arrive on time to help recognize Merrill, as well as wear pink to support this great cause.