University of Northern Iowa Athletics
UNI women’s basketball to host lavender game in support of cancer awareness
1/21/2026 12:53:00 PM | Women's Basketball
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The UNI women's basketball team will host its lavender game on Sunday, January 25, 2026, when the Panthers welcome the Evansville Purple Aces to Cedar Falls. This season, the Panthers have chosen lavender in place of pink as the color lavender symbolizes support for ALL cancer types and survivors. The lavender game is held in support of cancer awareness and honors those who have been affected by the disease, while also raising funds for the Accessing Cancer Treatment (ACT) Fund and the American Cancer Society.
"With Iowa facing one of the highest cancer rates in the country, this game is a powerful chance to push early detection and screening to the forefront," said Kevin Kann, Executive Director (Iowa Nebraska Area) with the American Cancer Society. "We're grateful to partner with the Northern Iowa Panthers and use this stage to drive awareness that can truly save lives."
Head Coach Tanya Warren will donate $25 to the ACT Fund for every three-pointer made by the Panthers. Fans and supporters who would like to match Coach Warren's donation or make a contribution of their own are encouraged to contact Nicole McDermott at nicole.mcdermott@uni.edu. The ACT Fund helps provide financial assistance to individuals undergoing cancer treatment, making each donation impactful both on and off the court. Along with coach Warren's donation, Renewal by Anderson, the game's sponsor, will donate $50 per three-pointer made to the American Cancer Society.
The UNI team will be auctioning off last season's pink jerseys. Proceeds from the jersey auction will benefit the ACT Fund. The auction opens Wednesday, January 21 at 8 a.m. and will close Sunday, January 25 at 3 p.m. CT. Fans can bid on the jerseys or make a donation through the Handbid app. The University cannot accept payment through the Handbid app, and all winners will be contacted by Nicole McDermott to process payment to receive the jersey. Fans can use the link HERE to start bidding.
Fans attending the lavender game will have multiple opportunities to show their support, including cancer awareness ribbons available to represent specific types of cancer, a lavender shirt and pom pom giveaway, and the UNI pink jersey auction. UNI Women's Basketball invites Panther fans to join the team in raising awareness, honoring survivors, and supporting those currently fighting cancer on January 25 against Evansville.
For more information about the ACT Fund, click HERE, and for more information about the American Cancer Society, click HERE.
UNI women's basketball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Women's Basketball), X (@UNIwbb), and on Instagram (@uni_wbb). The 2025-26 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
