PENSACOLA, FLA. – The University of West Florida volleyball program will welcome a special guest to the sideline during its annual Pack It Pink match, honoring 82-year-old breast cancer survivor Sue Eiland as the team's guest coach. Eiland, a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, shared her inspiring story of resilience and hope as part of UWF Athletics' ongoing commitment to raising awareness for breast cancer research and support.
 
Eiland was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in October 2006. At the time, doctors told her the prognosis was poor, with most patients experiencing recurrence within three years and survival beyond five years being rare. Eighteen years later, Eiland stands as a powerful example of perseverance and faith.
 
"When I was diagnosed, I was anxious and afraid to tell my family," Eiland said. "But they were so supportive and encouraging. They told me, 'Mom, we're going to be with you through it all.'"
 
Eiland credits her family, her faith, and her trust in medical professionals for helping her navigate the challenges of treatment. "My advice to anyone facing a cancer diagnosis is to listen to your physician, and if you don't have confidence in them, seek a second opinion," she shared. "Pray, stay in the Word, and let people help you. That can be hard when you're used to being the one who helps others, but it's their joy to support you.
 
For more information on the UWF volleyball program, visit GoArgos.com and follow the team on social media at @uwfvolleyball (Instagram) and @UWFVolleyball (X).