Cailin Bloom’s Heartfelt Tribute During Cal Women’s Soccer Game
On a beautiful October afternoon, the atmosphere at Edwards Stadium on the UC Berkeley campus was electric as the Cal women’s soccer team faced off against the top-ranked Duke. Among the players, defender Cailin Bloom stood out not just for her athletic prowess but for the emotional tribute she delivered during halftime, honoring her late sister, Samantha Bloom.
A Day to Remember
The game on October 13, 2024, was more than just a sporting event; it was a poignant reminder of love, loss, and resilience. Cailin took to the microphone during halftime to share her story, bringing the crowd into her world and the profound impact her sister had on her life. Samantha, who Cailin described as her best friend, had battled soft tissue sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, for over three years before passing away in May 2019, just a day after her 17th birthday.
The Bond Between Sisters
Cailin and Samantha were incredibly close, with only 16 months separating their ages. The loss of Samantha left a significant void in Cailin’s life, a sentiment she openly shared with KTVU. "She obviously meant a lot to me," Cailin reflected. "Her loss was definitely tough." Yet, amidst the sorrow, Cailin recalled a moment of joy that the family experienced during Samantha’s illness—a trip to the Bahamas arranged by the Bay Area chapter of Make-A-Wish.
A Dream Come True
In 2016, while Samantha was in remission, Make-A-Wish granted her the opportunity to live out her dream of becoming a dolphin trainer. The family was whisked away to the luxurious Atlantis Hotel, where they enjoyed a week filled with adventure and unforgettable experiences. Cailin reminisced about the stunning hotel, complete with thrilling water slides and the chance to interact with dolphins. "The trip was just a little bit of brightness in such a terrible time," she said, highlighting the importance of those cherished memories.
Honoring a Legacy
Motivated by the joy that Make-A-Wish brought to her sister, Cailin decided to give back in a meaningful way. She organized a dedication game to raise funds for the non-profit that had provided her family with such a precious gift. With the support of her teammates and the Cal Sports’ Cameron Institute, Cailin designed special jerseys emblazoned with words that resonated with her sister’s spirit: climb, fight, love, win, roar, thrive.
A Community United
The game not only served as a tribute to Samantha but also as a rallying point for the community. Fans were encouraged to participate in fundraising efforts through food sales, raffle tickets, and a post-match autograph session with the soccer team. Cailin’s family, who traveled from their hometown of Dixon, proudly wore the Samantha-inspired jerseys, embodying the love and support that surrounded Cailin during this emotional event.
A Surprise for the Family
In a touching twist, Cailin had kept the details of her fundraising efforts a secret from her parents, wanting to surprise them. When they learned of her initiative, their pride was palpable. "My parents had no idea about everything," Cailin shared. "They were shocked. They were so proud of me they couldn’t even believe how I put this on."
Impact Beyond the Game
The fundraising event was a resounding success, raising over $7,500 for Bay Area Make-A-Wish children and their families. This collaboration marked one of the most significant partnerships between Cal Athletics and Make-A-Wish in recent memory, as noted by Athletics Communications Assistant Director Daniel Moebus-Bowles. The event also drew a larger crowd than usual, boosting attendance for Cal Soccer.
A Day of Reflection
While the game ended in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss for Cal, the day was filled with love and remembrance. Cailin felt her sister’s presence throughout the event, saying, "I felt like she was there the entire time. I was so motivated, and I just looked around, and I just saw her everywhere." This sentiment encapsulated the spirit of the day—a celebration of life, love, and the enduring bond between sisters.