The tournament was an all-day event spanning from nine in the morning to two in the afternoon. The event was organized by the ART U softball team and was partnered by CureSearch, an organization that helps groups put together kickball tournaments for this cause. The Academy of Art sports teams that came out to show their support were: baseball, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's soccer, softball, and women's tennis. There were also two other teams formed by families and friends who raised money to participate in the event.

“I think everyone felt the camaraderie with all the sports teams,” men's soccer midfielder Boomer Cruz said. “It was all about coming together to support this fight against cancer. We're all part of the greater Academy of Art athletics program, but we don't necessarily get to know each other in a fun way like this very often. It feels great to raise that money together. Community service is usually thought of as handing out plates of food at a homeless shelter or something of that nature, but this felt like recess. It's great to do something for the greater good and, especially for the soccer team, it's a cause that's very important to all of us.”

As a group, the Urban Knights set a goal to raise $5,000 for childhood cancer research. Though they did not collect that particular figure, the teams gathered over $3,400 which was still an impressive feat in itself. Softball led the fundraising by bringing in $1,500, followed by men's soccer who raised $750.

The tournament was held at Mission Blue Field, the home of the Urban Knights softball team. There were three fields in which three games were going on at once. Those teams sitting out were umpires for other games. The tournament was round-robin style play, and every team was guaranteed four games that day. Everyone had a chance to enjoy themselves, mingle, and play kickball for an incredible cause. Even friends and family who were not participating came out to cheer on and support the Urban Knights.

“It was really great to see so many athletes out there,” women's basketball guard and SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) representative Lorraine Etchell said. “I was working at the food station and had a chance to really talk more with people about the SAAC events we were doing. As a member of SAAC, I think it was important to inform people and answer their questions because we really want to support them. It was fun, but for me there was something about spending the time with Sy (softball head coach Rachel Sherman's nephew who was diagnosed with liver cancer this year) that made it particularly special. Jayme Stewart from the softball team is my roommate and she'll tell me about various activities they do with him, but it's just so different to spend real quality time together.”

Members of ART U's SAAC were also there holding a barbeque throughout the day. All profits from the SAAC BBQ went to the Make a Wish Foundation.

“I thought it was great to get all of the teams together for something really fun but also for something that's a great cause,” men's basketball center and SAAC President Hunter Hayden said. “We were happy to have SAAC help with the barbeque because it's always important to get good grub for everyone at big events like that. I hope that we can build on the 'Kicking Cancer' event as a tradition for the coming years because I think everyone really had a good time.”

After a day full of kickball, the teams were tired and in need of some rest. Though the athletes had been practicing hard all week, they still found the time to come out on the weekend to give back to a great cause. The day was fulfilling for everyone, and they hope to make this kickball tournament an annual tradition for Academy of Art Athletics.

“I really want to thank Coach Rachel Sherman because she makes community service such a big part of her team and I think that's so great,” Etchell said. “There is a stereotype about athletes not being involved and I feel like she totally breaks that. Being part of SAAC, we've gotten to learn so much by helping other people.”