Samford University Athletics

The Dig Orange match 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. This year's match will be held Fridaty Oct. 13 against Chattanooga, with first serve set for 7 PM in the Pete Hanna Center. 

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. 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."

A venmo account has been set up for donations: @keylor-chan. Checks can be made out to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society funds leading-edge research for every type of blood cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other rare types of blood cancers. As the largest nonprofit funder of cutting-edge blood cancer research to advance cures, LLS has invested more than $1.5 billion in cancer research since we started in 1949, leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine that are improving and saving the lives of patients.

Over the last five years, LLS helped advance 75% of the almost 100 FDA-approved blood cancer treatment options.