University of North Carolina Athletics
Heel-O-Ween Lax Ball Delivers Another Fun-Filled Year
October 29, 2025 | General, Men's Lacrosse, Women's Lacrosse, Student-Athlete Development
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolina men's and women's lacrosse, baseball and softball teams hosted their fifth annual Heel-O-Ween Lax Ball event at Karen Shelton Stadium, uniting the student-athletes with children in the community to raise money for the UNC Children's Hospital.
Each year, the goal is to raise awareness and donate funds to the UNC Children's Hospital. Every donation goes directly to UNC Children's Hospital, helping provide care, comfort and hope to children and families across the state of North Carolina.Â
"Tonight was amazing," head men's lacrosse coach Joe Breschi said. "I started this five years ago with the blessing of women's lacrosse, softball and baseball. It was such a neat way to be connected through a good cause because our student-athletes in all of our programs have such a platform to give back. The opportunity to share it with the UNC Children's Hospital is the coolest thing we do. It is so special to share it with the children, while having our student-athletes feel like kids."
Men's lacrosse and softball teamed up to take on women's lacrosse and baseball in a fun, fast-paced baseball/softball hybrid played with a tennis ball. Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham was in attendance and threw out the first pitch of the game.
"The Carolina softball program loves to stay involved, especially in events like this one," Shelby Barbee of the softball team said. "We host free children's softball clinics, and we love to see kids at our games, so it truly means so much to us to come out and support our community."
Team Impact participants were also present; those individuals are children facing serious illness and disability who get matched with a college sports team to create a life-changing experience.Â
At the conclusion of the five-inning contest, children of all ages proudly sported their Halloween costumes as they visited each trick-or-treat station set up throughout the stadium.Â
"It is important for our team to get involved with this event because the community means so much to who we are as a team," women's lacrosse standout Sam Forrest added. "It was awesome to be outside of the facility and make connections with other teams as well."Â
If you could not attend the event but would like to contribute, click here to donate.
