A Hoosick Tradition: The Annual Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament

by Bea Peterson
The 10th Annual Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament will be held on Saturday, September 5 at The Sand Bar, 21 Lyman St in Hoosick Falls. This all day event and fund raiser celebrates the life of Karen McGovern and raises thousands of dollars each fall. The funds are used to support individuals and families currently dealing with catastrophic illnesses in Hoosick and the surrounding areas.
Karen graduated from Hoosick Falls Central School in 1986 and then attended Champlain College in Burlington, VT. Through the next few years she was a hotel receptionist at the Equinox, Manchester, VT, the Sheraton, Burlington, VT, and the Williams Inn, Williamstown, MA. She returned to school, attending Hudson Valley Community College in 1994, and graduated from SUNY Albany in 1998. Summers she was a teller at the Green Mountain and Saratoga Race Tracks.
Karen was in her second year of law school at Albany Law School of Union University, when she was diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that took her life in May 2000. Albany Law School honored her with the Isabell Redman Award in recognition of the courage, perseverance and graciousness she displayed during her illness. The school also named its prestigious annual Moot Court Trial Competition in her honor.
Her many friends knew her as opinionated and a person who enjoyed a good debate. They loved her for her wit and her sarcasm but especially for her love of life. They often mention the strength, spirit and determination she demonstrated throughout her illness. She expected much of herself and expected those she knew to give equally as much of themselves, to their families and to their communities.
In the summer of 2000, a few of Karen’s friends organized a volleyball tournament to raise funds for people in the Hoosick area who needed help meeting expenses as a result of dealing with cancer. The tournament proved so successful they decided it should be a yearly event. The Sand Bar has graciously hosted every tournament. Between the tournament and individual donations, the fund has raised and distributed more than $100,000 over the last ten years.
Everyone Welcome
The Volleyball Tournament will be made up of four and five or six person teams. One woman is required on four player teams, two on five or six player teams. Team Captains should arrive at the Sand Bar at 9 am on Saturday. Games start at 10 sharp. The cost for a team is $175.
Individuals who want to just enjoy the day and help celebrate Karen’s life are welcome. The $30 fee to be there includes a 10th Anniversary T-shirt, food, keg beer and music by The Brewsters from 4 to 8 pm. There will also be a 50/50 raffle.
Division A volleyball winners will have their names placed on a plaque, and each team member will receive a trophy. All Division B winners will receive trophies.
Members of The Karen McGovern Memorial Fund Committee are Bill McGovern, Barb McGovern, Donna Cuddihy, Lisa Ferrannini, Bonnie St. Onge, Kelly Magin, Pat Hayes, Delight Cullen, Bridget Crawford, Terri Burdick, Matt Philpott and Craig Pine.