Welcome Marissa! Girls Lacrosse & Field Hockey Team Up With Friends of Jaclyn

No matter the season, Millbrook athletes are always looking for ways to live Non Sibi Sed Cunctis. The girls varsity field hockey and lacrosse teams are partnering with Friends of Jaclyn, a foundation based in Dutchess County dedicated to supporting children with brain tumors, cancer, and other diseases. Girls lacrosse and field hockey Head Coach Maria Grant facilitated Marissa Robidoux's adoption; Marissa is a six-year-old Arizona girl working hard to recover from the effects of a brain tumor. The team held a virtual ceremony Wednesday night to present Marissa with a lot of Millbrook swag and a plaque in honor of her bravery, resilience, and positivity.

“I absolutely love being a part of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation and having the privilege to adopt a new teammate,” said Jenna Bressette '21, lacrosse team co-captain. “Being a part of this foundation makes me realize that lacrosse isn't just about practices and games—it's about serving the community and reaching outside of your comfort zone to make a larger impact on the outer community. I haven't even met our new teammate Marissa yet, but I am already in love with her. Her perseverance, strength, and resilience really stand out to me, and she's only six years old.”

Adoptees usually bond with teams through in-person interaction at games and practices and regular communication, but due to pandemic concerns, other plans have been made. The field hockey and lacrosse girls have come up with a wide variety of ways to engage with Marissa, who participates in cheerleading for fun to help develop her balance and build confidence. The girls are planning to virtually take Marissa on a campus tour and to hockey and basketball games, to share cheers, and to hold a dance-off. Their commitment extends beyond this school year—it's a long term commitment that will span many years to come.

“I’m really excited to be involved with FOJ because I really love to be there for people in their toughest time,” said Tommi Nash ’22, field hockey captain. “In my toughest times, people were there for me, so I wanna be there for the kids!”

Marissa's care package also contained arts and crafts supplies, sports gear, and other fun items for her family and dog, Coco. The girls plan to keep Marissa very busy with Legos, a journal project, and with team updates as the seasons progress. “I am so excited to get to know Marissa,” said Kaitlin Bressette ’21, lacrosse team co-captain, “Being able to build a connection with her is so exciting. This is an opportunity to get to know a truly amazing, brave, sweet kid, and FOJ is giving me that opportunity."

Inspired by Marissa’s strength and resilience, the Mustang field hockey and girls lacrosse teams are thrilled to get to know their honorary teammate! 
Back