Longtime rivals Valley Christian and Gilbert Christian came together and played in the Grand Canyon University arena on Saturday, October 21st. This event was Valley Christian’s 7th annual Dig for a Cure event, which is held each year in the month of October. In 2017, Alumna Megan Davies (’20) and her parents started this event at Valley Christian in order to honor her mother, Michelle, who is a breast cancer survivor. Dig for a Cure is meant to raise awareness and honor everyone who has been affected by cancer of any type. This event is continuing to grow each year as more schools are beginning to participate and raise money for the HonorHealth systems.

Valley Christian, Gilbert Christian, and refs come together at the end of the match (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPReps365)This year was an especially touching event as it was dedicated to honoring the life of VC volleyball alum, Emily Burkert-Rocha (’15). In July of 2023 Dr. Emily Burkert-Rocha passed away from a rare type of cancer. She was born in Arizona and attended Gethsemane Lutheran School for elementary, graduated from Valley Christian High School, and attended Grand Canyon University for her undergrad degree. She went on to earn a doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Northern Arizona University and started her career as an Occupational Therapist for HonorHealth systems. This year Valley Christian wanted to honor Emily and the life she lived and raise money for the endowment fund held in her name. This fund will serve as a scholarship fund for future Trojans with special needs, as Emily was particularly passionate about serving the special needs community. Valley Christian is happy to announce that through this event they have already raised over $10,000 and that amount continues to grow. The school is continuing to raise funds for the endowment and you can give to the fund here. Thanks to Valley Christian, Gilbert Christian, Grand Canyon University, Lululemon, and the Arizona Batting Club for coming together to make this event possible.

Free event t-shirts handed out by Valley Christian voluneers to all fans and players in attendance (Photo by Trey Kuyper/AZPreps365)The “Dean” of High School sports, Mr. Kevin McCabe, has been involved in this event for the past three years. He asked head Coach Tyler Trathen and captains Avery Schmidt (‘24), Madi Brown-McAlpine (’25), and Kelsey Brooks (’25) to come into the studio and speak on his live radio show about the significance of the event and the privilege of playing in a college arena. This portion of 98.7's AZPreps365 Live Radio Show aired on October 14th and can be heard here. Mr. Kevin McCabe also made an appearance at this year's Dig for a Cure event at Grand Canyon University and served as the spokesman for the evening, encouraging all players to go into the stands and give a pink lei to anyone in attendance who had been affected by cancer.

The Dean of High School Sports, Mr. Kevin McCabe, emceeing the event (Photo by Trey Kuyper/AZPreps365)In addition to honoring people affected by cancer and the Burkert-Rocha families, the highlight of the night was the excitement of the volleyball match between the #1 ranked team in 3A, the Valley Christian Trojans, and their rivals, the Gilbert Christian Knights. These two teams took the floor at 5:30 PM following the matchup between GCU and Seattle University at 3 PM. Earlier in the season the Trojans took on the Knights and took home the win, 3-1. Heading into the Dig for a Cure game both teams had more pressure on them as they would be playing in a big venue with a purpose of raising awareness and money for a cause. After dropping a set in the last matchup between the rivals, Valley Christian was more than prepared to take on the Knights and took the victory at the Dig for a Cure game in a 3-0 sweep. The first set was 25-18, won by the Trojans. The second set score was closer as the Knights scored 21 points and held the lead the majority of the game, but the Trojans ultimately regained control and took the second set, 25-21.

Freshman Sadie Wahlin celebrating with Captain Madi Brown-McAlpine (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)

Head Coach Tyler Trathen said, “We were hungry going into the third set and we were ready to fight. We weren’t going to drop another set to Gilbert Christian this season”.

Head Coach Tyler Trathen coaching from the sideline (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)

The Trojans dominated the third and final set with a final score of 25-11, giving them a 3-0 victory. The Valley Christian volleyball program was very excited to take home this win as they were hosting the event. 

Sadie Wahlin, a freshman middle blocker, who came into Valley from Gilbert Christian’s Junior High, has become a huge addition to this year’s Trojan team. She led the Dig for a Cure game with a total of 6 kills and 5 blocks, making a huge statement as a freshman. 

Senior captain Avery Schmidt reflected, “this was truly a core memory for me. I will forever remember that it was crazy to get the opportunity to play in such a nice venue like GCU and to play for such a good cause. This game only got us more prepared as we are headed into state playoffs”.

Senior captain Avery Schmidt celebrating after a great play (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)

The Trojans will continue on with their season in 3A state playoffs beginning November 4th at Marcos De Niza High School. As the #1 ranked team they have have a huge target on their backs going into state, with many schools out to beat them.

Dig for a Cure Endowment Fund

98.7 AZPrepsLive Radio Segment

More Dig For the Cure Photos: 

GCU players partner with Valley Christian players to honor those affected by cancer (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)Valley Christian fans ready for a great game (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)

The Gilbert Christian Knights preparing to face the Trojans (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)Valley Christian Spiritline cheering on the Trojans in GCU Arena (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)Gilbert Christian and Valley Christian praying after the game. (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)

Honoring the life of Dr. Emily Burkert-Rocha, Valley Christian and Grand Canyon University Alum (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)Dr. Emily Burkert-Rocha's family and friends in attendance (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)

Coach Bob Davies, assistant coach and founder of the event, looks at his team alongside junior OH Taylor Miser (Photo by Candace Hunsaker/AZPreps365)