Ursuline Academy’s Pink Game Raises Nearly $127,000 for Breast Cancer Care Since Inception

Written By Alicia Vial

Student-led Tradition Honors the Legacy of Beloved Coach Marta Bott

NEW ORLEANS – Ursuline Academy of New Orleans is proud to announce that its 2025 Pink Game raised $8,227.17, bringing the total funds raised since the event’s inception in 2008 to $126,987.59. Proceeds support the East Jefferson General Hospital Breast Care Center, funding advanced diagnostic technologies, medical supplies, educational resources and renovations to the Yenni Treatment Center, where a dedicated treatment room honors the memory of Ursuline alumna and beloved coach Marta Bott.

The Pink Game began as a student-led initiative in 2008 to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer in honor of Coach Bott. Just months after the inaugural game, Marta lost her courageous battle with breast cancer but her legacy continues to inspire generations of Ursuline students. What began as a single student project has grown into a vibrant, school-wide tradition that embodies Ursuline’s motto, Serviam— “I will serve”. Each year, students take the lead in planning, promoting and participating in the event, rallying the entire school community around a shared mission of compassion and service.

“Through their dedication, Ursuline students have transformed the Pink Game into more than just an athletic event—it’s a living expression of faith, leadership and love,” said Laurie Leiva, Academy President. “We are proud of our students’ commitment to honoring Marta’s memory and stand in solidarity with breast cancer survivors, fighters and those we’ve lost.”

Over the years, Pink Game proceeds have funded vital medical resources, enhanced patient care and supported renovations at East Jefferson General Hospital, ensuring that the community has access to the best possible breast cancer treatment. A plaque in the Yenni Treatment Center commemorates Coach Bott’s legacy and the Ursuline students who continue her mission of service.

The Pink Game remains a highlight of the fall semester, uniting the Ursuline community in celebration, remembrance and advocacy. Through this enduring tradition, Ursuline students demonstrate how leadership, service and compassion can create lasting impact—on their school, their community and the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

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About Ursuline Academy of New Orleans
Founded in 1727, Ursuline Academy of New Orleans is the oldest Catholic school and the oldest continuously operating school for girls in the United States. Rooted in the tradition of St. Angela Merici, the Academy is committed to the spiritual, intellectual, and moral development of young women in the spirit of Serviam: “I will serve.”

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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