WASHINGTON– Gallaudet's women basketball student-athletes; Raj Guettler (Frederick, Md.), Cam Lexow (Abington, Pa.), Claire Ruiz-Tucker (Middletown, Md.) and head coach Stephanie Stevens participated in 2nd annual Congressional Women's Basketball at the Charles E. Smith Center, home of the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. on July 8th.

Guettler, Lexow, and Ruiz-Tucker grabbed the opportunity to participate and all of them were teammates and played for the Congressional team as Congress claimed a thrilling win, 42-39 over Lobbyists. Stevens also coached for the Congress. 

"I had to say yes to the opportunity to be on the court with Cam, Raj and Coach Stevens once again. It was a fun night of basketball!" said Ruiz-Tucker.

Stevens joined other six coaches who are coaching for women's basketball schools; George Washington's Ganiyat Adeduntan, Catholic University of America's Matt Donohue, Georgetown University's Darnell Haney, American University's Kelly Killion, Loyola University of Maryland's Danielle O'Banion, and Temple University's Diane Richardson. Stevens coached with Donohue, O'Banion and Richardson for the Congressional team.

"Honored to take part in the 2nd annual Women's Congressional Basketball Game tonight! It was a joy to be back on the sidelines with Raj, Cam, and Claire—and to coach alongside Diane (Temple), Danny (Loyola Maryland), and Matt (Catholic)." said Stevens. "Grateful to Paul Miller, his team, George Washington Athletics, and the Kay Yow Foundation for hosting such a meaningful event for an incredible cause."

Guettler, Lexow, Ruiz-Tucker and their teammates battled hard on both ends of the floor. They were excellent on both sides with smooth offensive plays and caused turnovers that led to fastbreaks which are very crucial. Lobbyists had a late comeback attempt with full-court pressure and Congress managed to compose and secured the victory.

"Playing in the 2nd annual Women's Basketball Congressional Game was an absolute blast — it was so fun reconnecting with former teammates and seeing local coaches come together for a great cause." said Guettler. "I'm incredibly grateful for my Gallaudet experience that keeps opening doors like this."

After the game, they had opportunities to meet and greet with NCAA referee Dee Kantner and she is trailblazer for women in officiating. 

"I am thankful to have been invited to play in this year's Congressional Women's basketball game." Said Lexow. "Playing alongside exceptional women with meaningful impacts in our community and country was an honor and it was really great to see everyone coming together for such a fun event to fight against breast cancer! I enjoyed playing the game that I love, especially alongside Claire, Raj, and coached by Coach Stevens, which made it even more special!"

The Congressional women's basketball game had an annual year to be played on the court with Members of Congress, congressional staffers, lobbyists and college basketball coaches. This time they are focused on raising awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. The event brings together women from all sides of the political and professional spectrum to play something that is bigger than basketball. This year's game partners with the Kay Yow cancer fund in honor of Coach Yow's legacy of uniting the sports community to have a mission to end all cancers affecting women.