Newtown High School’s girls’ lacrosse program, on May 13, partnered with the 15 For Life Foundation for the third year as players, coaches, parents, and other community members come together to support the foundation’s mission to open dialogue about depression and mental health.

Newtown’s Jeff Kavovit’s brother and lacrosse standout Rob Kavovit took his life at the age of 45 and left behind a wife and two children after battling silent depression. This tragedy prompted the family to start 15 For Life, which encourages people to shed the shame around needing help and strives to normalize the conversation around mental health by creating awareness so that their loss may help others.

Ticket sales, raffles, and donations at the junior varsity and varsity games against Pomperaug at Blue & Gold Stadium raised money for the foundation.

Kavovit pointed out that there is a good parallel between sports and life in general when it comes to asking for help.

“We always ask for help on the sports field. We shouldn’t be afraid of asking for help and support in everyday life,” he noted.

Girls’ lacrosse ambassadors who lead the way in the team’s recognition of the importance of open dialogue and teammates being there for each other are Abby Ihlefeld, Jenna Lagan, Kathryn Kavovit, Emily Sachs, Kaitlyn Doyle, and Jen Socci. Being involved with 15 For Life helps the team in a variety of ways, Ihlefeld said.

“It helps us to strengthen our bond as a team off the field and that translates onto the field,” said Ihlefeld, adding that the players are always there for each other. “We know we have each other’s backs.”

Newtown Coach Maura Fletcher added that the message on the squad is for players to be good teammates not only in practices and games but also in school, and to be aware if someone is in need of support.

The NHS boys’ lacrosse program is to have its 15 For Life game, which will be a rescheduled clash with Trumbull on Wednesday, May 28 at 7 pm (note, there is potential for this game to be moved to Tuesday, May 27; updates to follow).

Visit 15forlife.org for more information.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.