MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The University of Montevallo volleyball program will honor the life of junior Chandler Cooper's mother, Janel, during its Dig Lavender match Saturday, Oct. 17 against Francis Marion University.
Cooper's mother Janel passed away last month following a valiant battle against cancer. The Falcons plan to honor Janel by planting a tree in her memory on the lawn of Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church in Saraland, Alabama. The Cooper family has asked that any additional funds raised as part of the effort be donated to the Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church in Janel's memory.
Janel is the mother of Chandler Cooper, a three-year member of the Montevallo volleyball program. Chandler has played a key role for the Falcons this season as an outside hitter and is fifth on the team with 95 kills.
Janel was her daughter's biggest fan, traveling to watch Chandler play at every opportunity. The excerpt from Janel's obituary spoke to her commitment to her family.
"Janel's hobbies were whatever her family was involved in at the time. Her unselfish spirit was totally devoted to helping her family be all they could be. Whether it was preparing for a pageant, Azalea trail appearances, or many years of softball and volleyball games and practices, she was by their side as the greatest coach ever. She loved all of the sporting events, and could always be counted on as the unofficial stat keeper."
The Falcons will also auction off lavender uniforms worn by the players during the match with gold lettering as part of the Dig Lavender cause. Lavender is the ribbon color for all rare cancers that don't have their own. The letters on the uniforms are yellow to represent Ewing's Sarcoma, which is the type of cancer Janel battled. It is most commonly found in girls and boys, which is why it is rare. Funding for rare cancer research is very limited and there are few doctors who care for such uncommon diseases.
The uniform auction will take place during the match Friday against UNC Pembroke at 6 p.m. and during Saturday's home match. Other athletic departments will also be available during the silent auction during the matches.
Montevallo is joining the Dig Lavender effort for the second year in a row after honoring the life of former assistant coach Erin Heffner Ventress a year ago.
All fans are encouraged to wear their Dig Lavender event shirt or a purple shirt to the match to show their support for cancer research. First serve in the match is set for 2 p.m.
For more information or to make a donation contact assistant coach Laura Farney at lfarney@montevallo.edu.
