Brdarski and team spread Bona spirit

Women’s soccer opens its arms to Undercoffer family

Nearly six years ago, St. Bonaventure University’s women’s soccer coach Steve Brdarski picked up a copy of USA Today and attempted a crossword puzzle on a team bus. After becoming uninterested, Brdarski started to read the paper and stumbled upon a heart-hitting article.
Brdarski read an article about the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, an organization that strives to provide life-changing experiences to children battling pediatric brain tumors. The organization matches the afflicted child and their families with college and high school sports teams, campus clubs and arts programs in their communities.
As soon as Brdarski got to his hotel room six years ago, he didn’t hesitate to send an email to the foundation. Brdarski was motivated to make a difference.
“I sent an email and said ‘we want to do everything that we can to help,’” said Brdarski. “We were motivated. We never heard from them for six years.”
Until May 1, 2019 at 2:31 p.m. An email that Brdarski had been waiting for.
“I responded to the email a minute later,” Brdarski said. “We had the chance to adopt someone that we felt was amazing, someone that represents our program.”
The St. Bonaventure women’s soccer program adopted Rory Undercoffer, a 10-year-old from Kane, Pennsylvania. In 2016, Rory had been diagnosed with pineal astrocytoma, a tumor in the center of the brain.
Within a 24-hour period, Brdarski was in contact with Rory’s parents, Kate and Dave Undercoffer, putting things in motion.
And in about a weeks time, the Undercoffers arrived on campus for Rory’s special day. A day where Rory spent time with the team and coaches, making memories that would last a lifetime.
At the conclusion of the day, a press conference was held in the Reilly Center at the Hall of Fame Room, where Rory signed a letter of intent.
With one signature on a dotted line, Rory and the Undercoffers joined the St. Bonaventure women’s soccer family forever.
“Do you want me to write it in cursive?” asked Rory.
Brdarski said, “Rory is officially a part of the St. Bonaventure women’s soccer program, she’ll be put on the roster and will wear number 36.”
Although Rory’s favorite colors are pink and blue, she was presented two jerseys, both home and away, in the colors of brown and white.
Rising seniors Bella Mara and Lauren Malcolm presented the uniforms, and with a smile as wide as the soccer field, Rory donned the home uniform.
With her family and the team watching, Rory sat at the podium and answered questions about her expectations, favorite snacks and the excitement of the day. While most answers were one word, her smile and energy radiated through the room and remained consistent.
Brdarski said the energy and excitement started as soon as Rory stepped out of the car. Rory, whose grandfather attended St. Bonaventure, encapsulates the program and the university, said Brdarski.
“We talk about energy with our girls all the time,” said Brdarski. “That’s what we want to see on the field. I don’t think I’ve anyone more excited to step on this campus. She’s blue-collar, and has the spirit we have. She fits in wholeheartedly. She’ll find a way to lift us up even more.”
After the press conference, the team presented Rory with Bonaventure hats, shirts, a Bona Wolf bobblehead and a team backpack. She also received a basket full of her favorite snacks, including caramel m&m’s.
To wrap up the evening the team threw Rory, who turned 10 on Monday, a birthday party.
Although Rory’s tumor has settled, and she has since been taken off treatment, her parents said they have always been looking for opportunities for their daughter to move beyond her hardships.
“We were always looking for opportunities for Rory to get her mind off everything that she’s dealing with,” said Kate Undercoffer. “She goes through a lot of social and school problems. And dealing with a tumor is no fun at all. So anything that lifts her spirits and keeps her from thinking about doctors is good in our book.”
Dave Undercoffer added, “This is a real unexpected treat at a busy time. This takes our mind off everything going on.”
And this isn’t just a one time deal for Rory. Brdarski, along with the Undercoffer family, said they hope to see a long-time relationship flourish for years to come.
While winning on the field sits atop any programs priority list, Brdarski and his team have touched a family from small-town, rural Pennsylvania. And although it took a failed crossword puzzle six years ago to come to fruition, Brdarski said that this is what he’s always wanted – to spread the Bonaventure spirit.
“This is Bonaventure,” said Brdarski. “We wanted to put together a moment that’s all about her. We want her to be proud to wear Bonnies gear, and proud of the connection she has with us. We’re going to learn as much from her than she’s going to learn from us. That’s what makes the relationship special.”
“This was just us doing our part,” said Brdarski.