Women’s Soccer To Host Charity Game Saturday For Would-Be Junior Midfielder Trina Rinke

ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s soccer team is hosting a charity game Saturday for one of its own players. Trina Rinke, a would-be junior midfielder for the Gusties this season, was forced to forego the soccer season and the fall semester while she goes through chemotherapy as a result of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. A voluntary entrance donation to Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. game against Concordia at the Gustie Soccer Field will go to the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA), which provides support to women with ovarian cancer while raising awareness and advancing research.

After not feeling well early this summer, Rinke went into urgent care July 5 and a large mass was found in her pelvic region. Surgery was set for July 10 when it was determined Rinke had ovarian cancer and the large mass was a tumor. The tumor, which Rinke named ‘Harold,’ was removed along with several other smaller tumors. To make light of the situation and show support, wristbands were made for family and friends with the phrase, ‘I Hate Harold.’ Rinke was put on a chemotherapy plan July 15 with an end date of Sept. 26.

Despite having to deal with the rigors of chemotherapy and rehabilitation from surgery, Rinke is in great spirits with a lot of energy. Her infectious smile and care-free attitude have allowed her to attack cancer as if she was dominating another team on the soccer pitch. And she hopes to be back on the field of competition soon with the goal of finishing her collegiate soccer career as a Gustie.

Saturday’s charity game will feature Rinke announcing the starting lineups, followed by two of her friends singing in the national anthem. The Hill Crew, a student-led fan group, will have a bags competition between the 1 p.m. men’s game and the start of the women’s game. Fun.com will also have prizes to give away. ‘Team Trina’ t-shirts will be sold at the game for $15 with the proceeds going to the Rinke family. Following the game, family and friends are invited to Patrick’s in St. Peter to enjoy food specials, with 25% of the proceeds going directly to MOCA. The specials include a chicken strip basket or cheeseburger basket for $10.

To visit Trina’s Caring Bridge website, please click this link.