For Coach V, the Fight Continues

(Courtesy of SJC-LI Sports Information)

In early December, Coach Bob Vlahakis received the news: his stomach cancer had returned and another surgery was necessary immediately. The discovery was made when the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) women's lacrosse team's first and only head coach visited the doctor for his routine six-month check-up following his original surgery last September.

So on January 4, 2016, Coach V returned to Sloane-Kettering Memorial Hospital in Manhattan; this time for a more serious stomach operation.

The surgery, which was performed again by one of the world's premier stomach cancer experts, Dr. Vivian Strong, went well. Dr. Strong's upbeat, optimistic outlook has Coach Vlahakis believing he can get back on the field for the 2016 season, despite the fact that he may miss a chunk of preseason training. But for now, Coach V hopes to slowly build up his strength one day at a time. 

In the best interest of the team, Vlahakis has met with his returning staff—assistant Mark Russell, Kristen Znaniecki and newcomer/alumnus Nicole Lyman—to ensure everything runs smoothly during preseason.

"I have great assistants, and we are all on the same page," said Vlahakis. "Additionally, our three captains—Jess Cordano, Heather Ferchland, and Nicole Danisi—know the daily routines and will ensure the team is prepared for its Skyline Conference title defense."

Coach Vlahakis had the opportunity to address his players and map out his recovery timeline prior to the team's annual "Christmas Magic" event on December 16, in which members of the squad act as Secret Santas for needy children in the area.

"With the amazing support of the coaching staff and the entire team, I know that I will not be alone in getting through this again," Coach V added. "The team gave me heartwarming energy and a wealth of determination last year, and I believe they will do the same once again."