Lisa Panici - Dig Panici Classic/Dig Panici Night
From Head Coach Stacy Boudreau and the Warhawk Volleyball Program
Lisa Panici came to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as a freshman in the fall of 2010. She had an immediate presence on the team with her six-foot, athletic frame and her contagious smile. She had an incredible drive to compete and loved, more than anything, being a Warhawk volleyball player. Lisa competed for four months and was our hardest worker, enjoying every minute of every vigorous workout. She was quoted several times saying, "I love to sweat", which later became the team's motto for the 2011 season. She enjoyed life and embraced every moment, big or small, with her teammates.
As one of the most promising freshmen in 2010, Lisa competed behind a senior All-American. She was ready and willing, and had all the potential to quickly fill her shoes. Tragically, she was never afforded the opportunity. After her first semester Lisa was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. In the months to come, Lisa's drive and competitive nature got her through brain surgery and several rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. She went through extensive physical therapy learning to walk and move her arm again but Lisa was determined to play volleyball again and was not going to let cancer beat her.
Lisa's team and the campus rallied around her incredible strength. In April of 2011, a benefit was held for Lisa and her family during the Warhawks' spring volleyball tournament. Russell Arena was packed full as student-athletes from every sport filled the stands with the rest of the student body, faculty, staff and fans. When Lisa's name was announced she stood up unassisted with her purple scarf stylishly covering her bald head, and as always, her big, beautiful, beaming smile lit up the gym. A two-minute, non-stop standing ovation followed. There was not a dry eye in the arena--Lisa Panici, who was battling for her life, was proudly standing with her team.
For the next year and a half, Lisa defied odds as she continued to fight against this deadly disease. Although cancer took her out of college at UW-Whitewater, she never missed the opportunity to return to campus or to sit on the bench at a Warhawk volleyball match encouraging her teammates and creating smiles with all those around her. Lisa's No. 12 jersey was on the bench at every single match. Her courage and spirit inspired the team to play with heart and to never give up. The Warhawks won the conference championship that year, and as they received the trophy, Lisa's No. 12 jersey triumphantly was raised with it. She was "The Irresistible Force", inspiring more people in her time at UW-Whitewater than any victory on the court ever could. Lisa's courageous battle came to an end December 26, 2012.
The fall of 2013 would have been Lisa's senior year at UW-Whitewater. On October 11, 2013, we dedicated, in loving memory, the "Lisa Panici Locker Room". In her honor, Lisa's No. 12 jersey forever hangs on its walls.
The Dig Panici Classic is an annual event to remember and honor Lisa, as well as raise funds for the "Dig Panici Scholarship". As funds are secured, the details for this scholarship will continue to develop. The Panici family hopes to award this scholarship annually to a UW-Whitewater student who may be physically or mentally disabled. After surgery Lisa considered herself "handicapable" and did not let her disabilities slow her down. All proceeds from the "Dig Panici Classic" and "Dig Panici Night" will help make this scholarship possible.
Donations:Donations will be accepted throughout the evening in various locations around the gym. T-shirts will be available with a $10 minimum donation with all proceeds going to the Dig Panici Scholarship Fund.
Silent Night:The Warhawks ask that in honor of Lisa (#12), the fans remain silent for the first two UW-Whitewater points of the match. On the third UW-Whitewater point of the match, the Warhawks, Lisa's family and friends and all UW-Whitewater fans will cheer as loudly as possible in memory of Lisa and in support of Warhawk volleyball.
