BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford University volleyball team will celebrate their annual Dig Orange game to support cancer research, with all donations going to the American Leukemia Foundation. 
 
The Dig Orange game is an annual event that honors Caroline Neisler, a former student-athlete who passed away in 2013 just weeks after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The Bulldogs honor the life and legacy of Caroline through Dig Orange, and this year's match will be held Wednesday, November 10 against Mercer, with first serve set for 7 PM in the Pete Hanna Center. The Bulldogs will wear orange ribbons and accents to support of all of those affected by leukemia.
 
Caroline Neisler was one of three Neisler sisters who attended Samford University, along with Elizabeth Neisler (2009-2012) and Katie Neisler (2014-2015). "She seamlessly fit in with the team," said Elizabeth Neisler of her sister joining the Samford program in the spring of 2013. "She was just so easy to be around." 
 
The current head coach of the Mercer Bears, and former coach of the Bulldogs, Derek Schroeder, was the head coach at Samford when Caroline transferred to play in Birmingham for her senior season. Mercer also hosts an annual Dig Orange match to honor Neisler's memory and support all those affected by leukemia. 
 
Caroline was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on May 1, 2013, and passed away on May 15, 2013, but her legacy, and the impact she had on not only the Samford program, but the North Alabama and Mercer programs, continues to this day. "It means a lot to us, and to our family, that Dig Orange is still going on," Elizabeth Neisler said. "It's a beautiful thing, and it is a beautiful way to preserve her memory. And to also, hopefully, raise money to spread awareness and also raise money to find a cure someday."
 
This year's goal is to raise $500 with all donations going to the American Leukemia Foundation in honor of Caroline Neisler. A venmo account has been set up for donations @keylor-chan, while checks can be made out to the American Leukemia Foundation and brought to the marketing table, which will be located on the concourse level of the Pete Hanna Center during Wednesday's match. We hope you will join us for Dig Orange this Wednesday as we honor Caroline Neisler and play for something much bigger than volleyball.