The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team will "Shoot a Three For Bri" this season in honor of teammate Brianna Klaas, who is battling cancer.
"Unfortunately I think we all know someone who has been affected by cancer, and now it's regrettably hit close to our women's Pioneer basketball family," UWP Coach Tina Kuhle said. "Brianna is an extraordinary young lady who is courageously fighting this disease. As a team we want to do everything we can to help and support Brianna and her family during this time, and also help raise awareness that this disease can affect anyone. "
The Pioneers are encouraging supporters to pledge money for every three-point shot the team makes, and the money collected will be donated to the Grant County Cancer Coalition.
Klaas is a sophomore guard from Lancaster, Wis. She scored 25 points against Augustana (Ill.) last year and averaged 8.8 points per game before a knee injury cut short her season after 11 games. At Lancaster, she earned Dubuque Telegraph-Herald all-area honors as well as all-state honorable mention accolades. She was selected to play in the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Division 3 all-star game, scoring 14 points in the South's 77-42 victory. The daughter of Allen and Jane Klaas, she is a member of the school's Gabe Miller Academic Honor Roll.
Klaas is continuing school and still attends many practices as she can around her treatment schedule. She was on the bench for the team's 78-63 victory over Millikin Nov. 28 in the home opener.
"I would encourage everyone to become involved in helping find a cure for this disease," Kuhle said. "The 'Shoot a Three for Bri' campaign is the Pioneer women's basketball team's way of helping raise awareness and support for families affected by this."
Pledge forms can be downloaded at the link below.
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