Carroll ISD’s Annual Pink Out Game Shines a Light on Strength, Hope, and Community

Tonight, the power of pink will overtake Dragon Stadium for an important cause.

The annual “Pink Out” football game supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Fans, players, coaches, and staff are encouraged to wear pink in solidarity with those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.

"Seeing others in the Dragon community with a similar story reminds me that we are not alone in this fight," said Laura Rodriguez, a beloved sixth-grade math teacher at Eubanks Intermediate School, former Carroll ISD 2023-24 District Teacher of the Year and breast cancer survivor.

Laura’s story of resilience has inspired students, colleagues, and the entire Dragon community. “My first battle with breast cancer began in 2018,” she said. “After surgery and radiation, and still within my five-year treatment plan, the breast cancer returned in 2022. This time it was a faster growing, more aggressive cancer that required a more aggressive treatment plan.”

Over the course of four years, Laura underwent seven surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. “The hardest part of my experience was the unknown and the loss of control over my body,” she said. “Even though I put my faith in God and my amazing team of doctors, this kind of battle is tough."

For Laura, the Pink Out game is about much more than football. “It touched my heart last year because it's a celebration of survival, courage, and life after cancer,” she said. “Seeing others in the Dragon community with a similar story reminds me that we are not alone in this fight.”

The event begins with the Dragons Care Pink Out Tailgate from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Touchdown Alley, featuring food, games, giveaways, and photo opportunities. The tailgate is free and open to the community, serving as both a celebration of Dragon spirit and a show of compassion for those facing cancer.

Before kickoff, the stadium will pause for one of the most meaningful traditions of the night—a  special on-field ceremony honoring breast cancer survivors. 

As Dragon Stadium fills with pink tonight, Laura’s message serves as an important reminder to the entire community. “It seems that most people have been touched in some way by breast cancer: their family, their friends, and even their teacher. I feel blessed that great strides have been made in the fight for the cure and that early detection can save lives. Know your body and get regular screenings.”

Carroll ISD invites all fans to join in tonight’s Pink Out celebration—a powerful display of hope, unity, and Dragon pride in support of breast cancer awareness.