LOUDONVILLE, NY – The Siena Women’s Soccer team will host the Inaugural Thomas Ducharme Recognition at the Saints’ conference opener Saturday vs. Fairfield at 1 p.m. at Siena Field. The event serves as a special recognition match and fundraiser started in memory of senior captain Michele Tremblay’s late uncle Thomas Ducharme.  

 

The Thomas Ducharme Recognition is presented to individuals who have displayed positive support and influence towards the development and success of a current member of the Siena Women’s Soccer senior class. The inaugural recognition will be awarded in a special pre-match ceremony to Mary and the late Thomas Ducharme in honor of the impact they have had on their niece.

 

Ducharme was a staunch supporter of his niece, and a familiar face annually at the MAAC Tournament. Tragically, Ducharme passed away after being hit by a car while jogging last fall.

 

In memory of Ducharme, the Saints will be selling t-shirts throughout the match for a suggestion donation of $20. Designed by Siena Men’s Soccer alumnus George LaMarche ’97, the neon green shirts feature the Siena Soccer logo on the front and a LaMarche Safranko Law logo on the back to remind everyone to safely share the road with runners, bikers, and all pedestrians.

 

All proceeds from the t-shirts will be donated in Ducharme’s memory to the TOPSoccer Program. TOPSoccer, which stands for The Outreach Program for Soccer, is a local program for young athletes with special needs. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any child between the ages of 4-21 who has special needs. The goal is to enable young athletes with special needs to become valued and successful members of the US Youth Soccer community.

 

Fans who cannot attend the match but wish to support the cause and also receive a t-shirt can do so by contacting head coach Steve Karbowski by e-mail at skarbowski@siena.edu or by phone at (518) 782-6826.

 

Additionally, the Saints will be hosting an alumni tailgate following the match. Alumni who wish to attend are kindly asked to RSVP in advance to Karbowski.