'Molly's Detour' Night: Field Hockey hosts game to support teammate diagnosed with leukemia

The Rowan University field hockey team invites fans, players and the community to support their teammate Molly Gorczyca on “Molly’s Detour” Night on Wednesday Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. The Profs play Stockton University at Wackar Stadium. 

Gorczyca was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, which is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. She has had chemotherapy treatments and next month will undergo a bone marrow transplant. 

“Molly came into the program in the spring of 2018,” said head coach Michelle Andre.  “Right away there was instant chemistry with the team. She became an integral part quickly. As a highly talented and exceptional player she brought a dynamic in her play that elevated everyone around her. But her play was a small part of the big thing she brought to the team; her work ethic, selflessness, personality and sheer joy of playing and being around her teammates kept everyone around her positive.”  

Family, friends and teammates are referring to Gorczyca’s diagnose as “Molly’s Detour.” To show their support, the players are wearing orange t-shirts this season during warmups. Orange is the color that represents Leukemia Awareness. Fans are asked to wear orange to the game. There will be orange wristbands available for a donation.

“The night for Molly represents everything positive about Molly and how field hockey brought her to Rowan University and the field hockey program,” added Andre. “But the evening is more than about field hockey, it represents that there is more than a game, but field hockey is what brought us together.” 

A starting midfielder, she contributed with 21 points last season. She scored eight goals and had five assists. Gorczyca received NJAC All-Conference honorable mention. She was selected to the National Field Hockey Coaches National Academic Squad and received NJAC All-Academic honorable mention.

You can follow Molly’s Detour at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mollygorczyca.