The Hauppauge Girls Volleyball team continues to show that their impact reaches far beyond the court. Early in October, the Eagles hosted a powerful Dig Pink Game to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research — rallying their school and community together in support of a cause that touches so many lives.

Soon after, that same spirit of compassion carried into their Annual Team Mackenzie Invitational Tournament, benefiting Angela’s House LI and Team Mackenzie. This incredible event brought athletes, families, and fans together to help children and families in need — raising over $11,000 through their collective generosity.

Hosted in memory of Mackenzie Borchers, whose courage and kindness continue to inspire, the tournament is a powerful reminder that sports can serve as a platform for both healing and hope.

Mackenzie’s mother, Tracy Borchers, a longtime Hauppauge teacher, coach, and mentor, has been a cherished part of the community for decades. Her daughter Mackenzie — known for her bright smile and determination — was born with a congenital heart defect and became a beloved presence in the Hauppauge volleyball program. Between hospital stays, Mackenzie would often stop by practices and games to cheer on the team, lighting up the gym with her joy. When she couldn’t be there in person, Tracy and Mackenzie would FaceTime from the hospital just to stay connected with the team and maintain a sense of normalcy.

After Mackenzie’s passing, Tracy created Team Mackenzie as part of Angela’s House’s annual walk, helping raise funds for the organization that provided round-the-clock care and support for her family. When Hauppauge players overheard Tracy mention her hope that Team Mackenzie would always be among the top fundraising teams — as a way to honor her daughter and give back to Angela’s House — they decided to make that wish a reality.

In 2022, the team launched the Team Mackenzie Invitational Volleyball Tournament, turning compassion into action. Now in its fourth year, the event continues to grow stronger each season. Ten schools — South Side, Massapequa, Center Moriches, Smithtown East, Bayport-Blue Point, Ward Melville, East Islip, Bay Shore, Sachem East, and Hauppauge — came together to compete, connect, and contribute to a shared cause.

The tournament includes Team Mackenzie t-shirt sales, basket raffles, and 50/50 drawings, with 100% of proceedsdonated directly to Angela’s House and Team Mackenzie.

Adding to the event’s meaning, Bob Policastro, Founder and Director of Angela’s House and a longtime Hauppauge resident, joined the teams to speak about the impact of their efforts. His message reminded athletes and spectators alike that their participation goes beyond the game — it directly supports families navigating some of life’s toughest challenges.

From Dig Pink to Team Mackenzie, Hauppauge Volleyball embodies what it means to play with heart, purpose, and unity. Each event they host strengthens the bond between athletes and their community, proving that when you play for something bigger than yourself, everyone wins.