OU Expands Student-Athlete Fundraising Support

NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department and Sooner Club have incorporated new initiatives to the Inspiring Champions Fund aimed at enhancing the student-athlete experience for future, current and former student-athletes.

The move is part of the athletics department's continued focus on fiscal responsibility and to ultimately reach a point where all student-athlete resources are privately funded through Sooner Club donations.

Areas of Focus

For decades, OU Athletics has been a pioneer in establishing resources committed to student-athletes and has been devoted to developing Sooners for life. These new initiatives incorporate our three areas of focus for our future as a department and student-athlete care: to recruit the best and brightest student-athletes; to excel as Sooners while at OU; and to have our letterwinners inspire the next generation." – OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione

Recruit the Best

Recruiting for all sports has become more competitive, especially for schools who recruit nationwide like the Sooners do. NCAA rules restrict the number of recruiting days and visits by prospective student-athletes, requiring coaches to evaluate and secure commitments in a condensed timeline. In 2020-21, OU student-athletes are representing 35 states and 25 countries.

It's no secret recruiting nationally takes tremendous resources. That's been especially evident the last few years when we've been game-planning and practicing for Big 12 Championships and bowl games while simultaneously traveling coast-to-coast to support our outstanding student-athletes at awards ceremonies and wrapping up our recruiting class for the December signing period. Oftentimes our coaches make stops in multiple cities in a given day during an extremely busy part of the season to secure commitments from future Sooners." – OU Head Football Coach Lincoln Riley

Excel as a Sooner

The cornerstone of OU Athletics is student-athlete welfare, and Castiglione has continued to push for reform to provide opportunities for student-athletes to receive holistic care and affordable education opportunities. Each resource within the Inspiring Champions Fund shapes what is often considered the most comprehensive student-athlete experience in the country. These resources include:

Nutrition
Psychological Resources for OU Student-Athletes (PROS)
Sports Science
Student-Athlete Experience
Medical Care
Academic Support
Travel
Facility Support

Over the last 20 years, notable improvements to student-athlete welfare at OU include: establishing the first psychologist housed within an athletics department in the country; increased financial assistance for student-athletes to include cost-of-attendance; and extensive research to protect and train student-athletes with sickle cell trait, among others.

We've always known sports require a tremendous amount of grit and hard work, but unfortunately our student-athletes are often faced with challenges in the pursuit of their dreams. From injuries to navigating life's unexpected trials, our student-athletes receive world-class care from our staff, and it's critical that we maintain that level of care in the future." – Patty Gasso, OU Head Softball Coach

"As we continue navigating the financial challenges presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic and balancing our budget for the 21st straight year, privately funding these vital initiatives provides greater stability for the future care for our student-athletes," said Castiglione.

Facility improvements to meet the expectations for championship caliber programs continue to be a necessity for sustained success. As evidenced by the recent completion of the Griffin Family Performance Center and south end zone renovation at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, new facilities provide greater training resources and attract the best student-athletes to the University of Oklahoma. To date, four facility projects are in the fundraising process, which will transform the student-athlete experience for six sports.

Inspire the Next Generation

Letterwinner support and further integrating past Sooner greats with current student-athletes provide opportunities to develop what we all know to be true – we are Sooners for Life. From the time they step on campus to the moment they walk across the stage, OU student-athletes are refining their skills in their arena of competition and preparing for life after sport, oftentimes with limited experience for their desired profession.

The Varsity O Association – the university's letterwinner organization – provides additional resources to current student-athletes so they can seek mentorship and develop as community leaders. Transitioning to life after being a student-athlete presents many challenges and changes, and OU is focused on assisting when each Sooner's eligibility is exhausted. That is why Varsity O and OU Athletics curates specific opportunities for this group while reminding them they are a Sooner for Life. These same resources are available for letterwinners who are returning to school or seek additional services.

We've all felt the strong connection to the University of Oklahoma, which remains a part of you for life. Our tradition is filled with some of the greatest student-athletes to ever compete in college athletics, so integrating them into our programs allows us to build upon our championship tradition. I've always believed there's no greater opportunity in life than to change one's future, which is what we aim to do with all who have and will represent the Sooners." – Ryan Hybl, OU Head Men's Golf Coach

Formed in 2018, the Inspiring Champions Fund provides the resources necessary for student-athletes to excel academically and in competition. Since its creation, over 4,000 Sooner Club members have contributed to the fund annually, but there is a need to enhance this base to privately fund all student-athlete initiatives over the next five years.

Ways You Can Support the Inspiring Champions Fund:

Enroll in the Sooner Club Monthly Membership – For as little as $12.50 per month, you can support current and former student-athletes with a reoccurring gift.
Add or increase your support to the Inspiring Champions Fund – Existing Sooner Club members may add or increase their gift with additional priority and tax-deductible benefits. Flexible payment options can be found on your 2021 renewal.
Considering ways to make a gift from your retirement or investment portfolio? Visit TheSoonerClub.com/MakeAGift to learn about different ways you can give to OU Athletics.

To learn more about the Inspiring Champions Fund, please visit TheSoonerClub.com/ICF or contact the Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000.