A Tradition Born from Friendship
For thirteen years, the Texas A&M soccer program has maintained a unique commitment to pediatric cancer awareness through its annual “Turn It Gold” game. The initiative, which has evolved into a cornerstone of the team’s philanthropic efforts, traces its origins to a personal connection between former Aggie defender Karlie Mueller and Quinn Pesicka, a young girl from Mueller’s hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as reported by 12thMan.com.
The bond between the two began through Mueller’s relationship with the Pesicka family, specifically Quinn’s mother, who was Mueller’s high school algebra teacher. In 2006, at just six months old, Quinn was diagnosed with adrenal cortical carcinoma. After an initial period of remission, her cancer returned in 2014 as a brain tumor. That year, the Aggies hosted the “Go, Fight, Quinn” game, bringing the Pesicka family to Texas for an SEC opener that raised over $8,000 for their needs.
Lasting Impact and Community Support
Following Quinn’s passing in June 2015, the team transformed the event into the “Go Gold” game to support broader pediatric cancer research. Mueller, who scored her only career goal during the 2015 game, described the moment as an emotional affirmation of the connection that still drives the program. Over the last seven iterations of the “Turn It Gold” event, the team has successfully raised more than $100,000.
The funds generated by the program are directed through the Children’s Oncology Group and the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. These contributions support both active cancer research and long-term survivorship studies. For current players, the game serves as a reminder of a mission that transcends competitive results.
Moving Forward
Current team member Makenna August emphasized that the players carry the weight of this cause into every match, noting that the goal is to provide children with the opportunity to live healthy lives and achieve their dreams. The program continues to invite community participation, with donations currently accepted through the official 12thMan.com portal.