Spring Garden volleyball teams wear pink to celebrate coach’s breast cancer recovery

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Amber Fletcher, the girls volleyball coach at Spring Garden Middle School and former coach at Truman Middle School, has a special reason to celebrate this year.  

After being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, she is now recovering and celebrating her journey with the support of her players.  

“I finished my treatment in January and I beat it. It was in stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer, so I am doing a lot better still have some rough days, but for the most part I am recovered,” she said.  

Fletcher’s also celebrated her birthday, and when she found out Spring Garden had a home game against Bode that day, she knew it was the perfect chance for everyone to wear pink.  

“I was like, 'What better way to celebrate my birthday and my success for beating cancer,'” she added.  

Fletcher said all the girls were on board, and everyone agreed to wear pink together. 

For the games, she hoped the teams would win all four matches and take home a sweep. 

She also hopes her experience reminds people of the importance of knowing their bodies and doing regular self-checks.  

“I actually found mine myself, so it wasn’t a scan or anything; it was just that I was in the shower and I did a self-exam, and I found a lump,” she said.  

Gracie Rich, an eighth grader at Spring Garden, said she looks up to Ms. Amber because she is always there to cheer people up.  

She has known Fletcher since the beginning of the volleyball season, when Fletcher joined the team as the other coach.  

“She is very kind and calm and understanding and I am wearing pink to show support of her,” Rich said.  

Rich hoped the team would win while having a good time with her friends and family. 

Payden Marten, another eighth grader at Spring Garden, said Ms. Amber always cheers on her students and shows kindness to everyone.  

“She always brings people up when they are down. My favorite memories with her is always when she jokes around with us,” she said.  

Marten hoped the team would do its best, win its games and make Fletcher proud. And that’s exactly what they did!  

Fletcher’s teams came through with flying colors, making her proud of each player’s hard work and effort. 

For Fletcher and her players, the Pink Out was about more than volleyball. It was a chance to celebrate her recovery, show their support and remind others of the importance of breast cancer awareness.