Lake Norman Publications

Memorial soccer tournament celebrates life renewed



Katrina Robinson presents North Lincoln junior Dylan Ambrose with her all-tournament medal. Photo by Matt Chapman

DENVER – Frigid temperatures and whipping winds didn’t dampen the mood at East Lincoln High School March 6, as more than 250 spectators gathered to celebrate Katrina Robinson’s clean bill of health at the 12th annual Andy Kosmala and Miranda Eckard Memorial Soccer Tournament.

Robinson, the assistant principal at East Lincoln Middle School, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma large B-cell cancer last May. The fight was on from there, and after countless hospital visits over the ensuing several months, Robinson emerged victorious from her battle with the disease.

“I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for coming out,” Robinson said as she grabbed the microphone to address the crowd between games. “Many thanks to this community that has wrapped its arms around my family and blessed our lives.”

Earlier in the week, Robinson took the time to meet with the players on each of the four soccer teams participating in this year’s tournament.

“It’s been almost exactly one year since my symptoms started, but my journey actually started when I was 17 years old, like these young ladies on the field tonight,” she said. “I lost my mother to multiple myeloma at the exact age at which I was diagnosed. It’s been a journey this past year, but through all the prayers, my family has made it through, and I just want to thank you all for coming out and freezing with us tonight.”

The tournament got its start in support of Andy Kosmala, an ELMS student who had brain cancer at the time. Kosmala lost his battle, but his fight inspired an annual event that has since sponsored 12 other community members, raising roughly $40,000 to support those individuals and their families.

Despite the weather, this year’s tournament raised an estimated $2,500, all of which will go directly to Robinson to help cover her medical bills.

“This is way more important than any game I coach or anything that we accomplish during the season,” East Lincoln girls soccer coach Jason Dragoon said. “We all get into coaching and teaching because we want to do more than just win games or create success in the classroom. We also want these kids to be successful in life, and part of that is learning how to help others by setting an example and giving back. I want these girls to know that we’re all one big family because when you have others to lean on, it makes everything so much easier.”

While the on-field results always take a backseat to the celebration of life, the Lady Mustangs delivered quite a showing, defeating Polk County 3-0 March 4 before capping the tournament with a 4-1 victory over Central Academy of Technology and Arts two nights later. Senior striker Taylor Barrineau led the charge for East Lincoln, scoring all seven of her team’s goals in the tournament, breaking the program record for career goals in the process.

Barrineau was named the tournament’s offensive MVP, while East Lincoln sophomore Cambell Vander Harr took home top defensive honors. Other Lady Mustangs included on the all-tournament team were freshmen Karly Patterson and Hannah Casey, as well as seniors Katie Cox and Katelyn Patterson.

The Lady Knights of North Lincoln also participated in the tournament, falling 2-0 to CATA March 4 before bouncing back to earn a scoreless draw against Polk County March 6. Junior Dylan Ambrose and sophomore Addie Reed were named to the all-tournament team from North Lincoln. 

Carolina Beer Mixer

What: Fundraiser for Fight with ME, benefitting teens/kids fighting cancer and their families.

When: 6:30-10 p.m. March 27

Where: Free Range Brewing, 2320 N. Davidson St., Charlotte

Tickets: $50

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