Queens Athletics closed out the annual Investing in Champions campaign on Friday, October 9, reporting an incredible 800 gifts and $466,045, a milestone that reflects the community around our student-athletes and our unwavering commitment to fostering excellence.
Today, giving to athletics is just shy of $500,000, with another $100,000 waiting to be unlocked for the Royals Club, positioning Queens for one of our strongest years yet.
Over the eight-day campaign, alumni, parents, grandparents, fans, and camp families showed up for Queens Athletics, and many left notes on our donor wall.
"I came here to play soccer. I left with a brotherhood, a standard, and a legacy that lasts a lifetime. Proud to give back to the program that helped shape who I am."
Jordan Gerardi '92, Men's Soccer
"I absolutely love watching you ladies play the game with all your heart and determination. Win or lose, you are all champions, but the wins are sweeter. Good luck on your upcoming season, Royals!"
Julia Beyer, Softball
"It's been a true privilege being able to watch this team grow from strength to strength over the last few years."
Cheryl Kamp, Men's Rugby
"Thank you to the Royals who supported Queens Athletics during Investing In Champions," says Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout. "Our coaches set meaningful goals this year, and our donors answered. Generosity is foundational for everything our programs will accomplish this year, and we're grateful to every person who chooses to be part of it."
Top 5 Teams
Men's Soccer saved its best for last. A final-day surge pushed the program to 152% of its goal for the year and to the top of the leaderboard. Alumni from the Class of 1992 through the Class of 2013 left notes for the current team. "Keep inspiring the next generation," writes Michael Lowrey Lawing.
Women's Volleyball (89%), Men's Volleyball (66%), Men's Lacrosse (62%), and Baseball (54%) round out the top five, each picking up momentum as they head into the rest of the year.
Challenges Met & Close to Completion
Baseball's Champions Club challenge asked five donors to step up at the $10,000 leadership level to help shape the next chapter of Queens Baseball. Six answered, surpassing the goal.
Men's Lacrosse set out to rally 200 gifts during Investing in Champions and blew past it, bringing in more than 225 gifts so far. "EFFORT HAS NO OFF SWITCH," writes Kathy Norris.
Women's Lacrosse has seven of 10 donors at $1,000 or more. Three more gifts at that level will unlock a $10,000 gift for the program.
Field Hockey Head Coach Brandi Kist and her husband, Ryan, challenged supporters to join them by matching gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $1,500. Donors have given $1,112.25, putting the program $387.75 from unlocking the full match. "Go Queens field hockey! Strive to improve! It's showing - you keep getting better & better!" writes Lucinda Caldwell.
More to Come
"Investing in Champions lays the groundwork for the full year, putting us nearly halfway to our goal of $1,050,000 supporting student-athletes," says Danielle Evans-Clan, director of athletics advancement. "Which means if you missed all the fun — don't worry! There's still time to invest in the programs that matter most to you."
Support came from down the street and across the country, with notes from families who stream from afar and alumni who once wore the jersey. Will Powley '23, Men's Lacrosse, left a reminder that holds true for every team at Queens: "You guys are creating a legacy. I believe. #royalsrise"
If you shared a post, sent the link to family, or made a gift — thank you for believing in the Royals. Thank you for investing in champions.
