Greek life reflects on their annual powderpuff philanthropy event

Collegiate Panhellenic Council sororities gathered to compete against each other with coaching help from Interfraternity Council fraternities in a flag football tournament, also known as powderpuff, on Oct. 22. 

Sororities Delta Phi Epsilon and Alpha Gamma Delta co-sponsored the event. Each of the seven CPC sororities are paired with a fraternity to spend weeks practicing and preparing for the tournament.

Kristina Rainey, a junior biology major, is a sister of Delta Phi Epsilon. She said she has taken part in powderpuff during all her three years at Seton Hall.

“I have always loved to play sports and participate in competitive events, and powderpuff is the perfect scene for that.,” she said. “I really enjoy playing any kind of sport, but I especially love playing in the powderpuff games.” 

Rainey said her favorite part about powderpuff is the competitiveness between the Greek organizations. 

“Delta Phi Epsilon takes powderpuff very seriously, so we practice about three to four times a week,” she said. “During these practices we make practice running plays and usually scrimmage each other to get used to the game setting.”

Allison Frank, a senior theater major, is a sister of Alpha Phi. She said she has befriended many people through powderpuff.

“It is a great way for all the sororities and fraternities to build bonds,” Frank said. “It makes it fun, and it is a great way to connect with other organizations on campus.”

Frank also said it’s important to participate in organizations’ philanthropic events to show Greek unity.

“Playing in powderpuff means a lot to me as it has taught me friendship, unity, sportsmanship, and has allowed me to spend more time with my sisters and newfound friends in my coaches,” she said. “Having such a big turnout for a philanthropy event is amazing.”

From the coaching side, John Coster, a senior marketing major, is in the fraternity Alpha Chi Rho. He said that powderpuff is just as enjoyable to coach the team as it is for the girls to play. 

“I chose to coach because, in the past, our coaching staff has been successful, and we really care about the process,” Coster said, “As coaches we tried to have as many practices as possible. We go over plays both offensively and defensively.” 

Frank added that she loves to see how serious the teams and spectators take the tournament.

“My favorite part about powderpuff is seeing how seriously each team takes it because, to me, that shows the true lengths of each and every bond formed between the sororities and fraternities,” Frank said. “I also love seeing the crowd of people that come out to watch.”

Alyssa Bernhammer can be reached at alyssa.bernhammer@student.shu.edu.