Iowa Honors 5 Breast Cancer Survivors at Pink Out Game

When Laurie Moody stepped onto the court at Carver Hawkeye Arena on February 11, she wasn't just attending a basketball game. She was being celebrated as a survivor, an advocate, and now an honorary member of the University of Iowa women's basketball team's legendary "Circle."

Moody, a Waterville native who now lives in Postville, was one of five breast cancer survivors selected for this year's Pink Out game against the University of Washington. She walked out during starting lineup introductions alongside sophomore point guard Chazadi "Chit-Chat" Wright as thousands of fans cheered.

The honor came with an experience that started long before tipoff. Moody and the other survivors toured the arena, met players and staff, and spent personal time with Head Coach Jan Jensen learning about the program's culture of support.

The Circle, a pregame tradition where players and coaches connect before taking the court, welcomed all five survivors during shoot-around. This sacred team ritual rarely includes outsiders, making the invitation especially meaningful.

Moody brings more than her survivor story to this platform. As Environmental Health Coordinator for Allamakee County and a Postville City Council representative, she's spent years advocating for community health and wellness programs.

The Ripple Effect

The Pink Out game does more than raise awareness during a single February evening. These annual celebrations connect survivors with role models, show young athletes the power of using their platform for good, and remind entire communities that cancer doesn't define the people it touches.

For every survivor honored on the court, thousands watching from the stands or at home see themselves reflected in stories of resilience. Programs like this normalize conversations about breast cancer screening, treatment, and life after diagnosis.

The University of Iowa women's basketball team has made this tradition central to their season, proving that sports can unite communities around causes that matter beyond wins and losses.

Five women walked onto that court as survivors and advocates, carrying hope with every step.