Women's Lacrosse's Annual One Love 5k Moves Online

WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University women’s lacrosse team went online over the weekend to take part in its annual Yards for Yeardley 5K to benefit the One Love Foundation.

The 5K has traditionally been run in conjunction with the team’s “One Love Game” each spring, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event to move online for the first time. 

Over 70 Worcester State student-athletes, staff, faculty, alumni, and fans took part in the online event, tracking their routes and sharing photos from their runs and walks.

Worcester State women’s lacrosse has now eclipsed two million yards this season in honor of the One Love Foundation’s Yards for Yeardley campaign. The One Love Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in honor of former University of Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love, who was killed by her boyfriend in 2010. The One Love Foundation aims to end relationship violence and promote healthy relationships. To learn more about or to donate to the One Love Foundation and the Yards for Yeardley campaign on their website at joinonelove.org.

The event coincided with Worcester State Recreation & Wellness Woo State Runs the World and the MASCAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Yards for Yeardley project. The Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) encourages women’s lacrosse teams to take part each year.

“Every year we enjoy holding our 5k to spread awareness for the One Love Foundation,” said head coach Kelly Downs. “Having to make the event virtual, we weren’t sure how many participants we would have, but the amount of photos and social media posts we kept receiving were amazing. From alumni to community members, everyone was excited to run for a great cause and spread the awareness and get their yards in.”

"I am so proud of the Worcester State women’s lacrosse team and their commitment to the One Love Foundation's mission of raising awareness about healthy vs. unhealthy relationships and empowering students to identify and avoid abuse and love better,” said Jennifer Quinn, Worcester State Director of Title IX. “With their season being cancelled, they didn't waver in their mission. They were super creative and hosted a virtual 5K using social media to spread the critical One Love message, while also bringing attention to WSU Sexual Assault and Violence Education (SAVE), a Worcester State committee also committed to raising awareness about relational and sexual violence.”

“Overall, I think the day was a success,” said junior defender and co-captain Lauren Arbec. “I think the amount of participation made up for the fact that we were unable to host the event on campus like in past years. Hopefully the virtual platform allowed us to reach a broader audience, and I’m looking forward to supporting the One Love Foundation and their mission with next year’s race!”

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