Anouk Wandeler ’26
May 16, 2025
Every spring, the Mercersburg Academy community comes together for one of its most beloved and meaningful traditions – the Lauren Grady Basketball Tournament. This year, 18 teams signed up to play, uniting students, faculty, and families for a night of fun competition and a shared cause: raising awareness and funds for American Childhood Cancer Organization in memory of Lauren Grady, daughter of math teacher David Grady.
“It’s often been referred to as a Mercersburg ‘rallying point,’ something the community looks forward to while raising funds for a great cause,” said English teacher Matt Maurer, who co-founded the tournament two decades ago. “Although I appreciate watching good, competitive basketball, I love to see a spirited group of friends or advisees and their adviser form a team, knowing full well they are not going to make the finals. They still give it their all.”
The event honors Lauren Grady, the second of five children in the Grady family, who passed away from brain cancer shortly after her second birthday. “The tournament exists to celebrate her beautiful life, raise money for the American Childhood Cancer Foundation, and bring awareness to the cause,” Hope Grady, Lauren’s mom, shared.
“I sign up every year,” said Adrian Rios ‘25. “One of the main reasons is the Grady family and giving to them. I’ve had Mr. Grady as a teacher and I love the Grady family very much.”
Others echo this connection. “I always play with Mary Grady [Lauren’s sister] and Mr. Canida,” said Kamden Jenkins ’26. “This is the third year I’ve done it.”
Beyond just the competition, the tournament’s meaning runs deep. “The Lauren Grady Tournament symbolizes a lot of love,” said Rios. “Not because of the game but because of the Grady family and the people who are willing to go out there and play basketball and have fun.”
Alishya Thurmond ’26 added, “It means getting together with friends and having fun as well as coming together as a community to support a good cause and bring awareness.” That sense of purpose fuels the energy on the courts.
“It’s the best. It’s one of the most fun events, and it is very competitive every year,” said Rios.
Even the chaos of the games brings joy. “Right-hook, bloodthirsty, cut throat,” joked Grant Wilkinson ’26.
What students hope others take away from the tournament is simple. “A lot of love for the community,” said Rios.
“I hope people take away that you can have fun and still support something,” added Wilkinson. For Mrs. Grady, the highlight is clear: “I always look forward to the sea of colors of Lauren basketball shirts. It’s a true gift to our daughter and our family to see so many students participate.”
Although all the teams fought very hard and the level of play was incredibly high, only one could be crowned champion. This year, the honor went to Big DOA, a team made up of Albert Park ’25, Marco Delpiano ’25, William Donovan ’25, and Josiah Wright ‘25. Their teamwork, determination, and competitive drive carried them to victory in a tournament that values not just skills on the court but also unity and compassion.
In the end, every shot, cheer, and team effort served a greater purpose – honoring Lauren Grady’s memory and continuing the mission to support families affected by childhood cancer.