Photo by: Malayna Russell
Coaches: $4.5M gift elevates women’s programs at SIU
09/08/2025 | 6:08:00 | General, Cross Country, Swimming & Diving, Track and Field, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Golf, Women's Volleyball, Women's Soccer
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Saluki Athletics announced a transformative $4.5 million gift earlier this summer from an anonymous donor.
The gift, part of the donor's estate plan, will benefit women's athletics in two key areas:
Coaches from SIU's women's programs expressed excitement and gratitude for the gift and its significance for their teams.
Kelly Bond-White, Women's Basketball Head Coach
"The energy at SIU is growing. Gifts like this—and every contribution—show that together we can create opportunities, break barriers and uplift not only current Saluki women athletes, but the next generation as well."
Geoff Hanson, Swimming and Diving Head Coach
"This is an incredible gift to SIU and the tremendous student-athletes who represent Saluki women. Expanding scholarship opportunities for swimmers and divers nationally and internationally will help us grow the program at both the MVC and NCAA levels. We're extremely grateful."
Brittany Harry, Volleyball Head Coach
"We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary $4.5 million gift to Saluki women's athletics. This generosity is a powerful investment in our student-athletes and a clear reminder that the world is watching—and valuing—women's sports more than ever. Thank you for believing in our mission and our future."
Richard Jones, Track and Field Head Coach
"This is a huge benefit to SIU Athletics. It gives our female student-athletes additional resources to succeed and helps level the playing field with other programs in our conference and across the country."
Graeme Orr, Soccer Head Coach
"Support from generous donors who recognize the value of women's athletics is vital to our growth and success. Their investment goes beyond finances—it sends a powerful message that our student-athletes matter and that their hard work is seen and valued."
Samantha Sambursky, Women's Golf Head Coach
"This gift will create lasting opportunities for our female student-athletes. I know firsthand the life-changing impact a scholarship can have, and I'm grateful for the difference this will make for so many."
Jen Sewell, Softball Head Coach
"This donation is more than a facilities upgrade—it's an investment in our athletes, our program and the future of college softball. It will help us build a first-class facility that reflects the dedication and passion of our staff and players. This $4.5 million gift is a powerful statement about the importance of women's athletics and a vote of confidence in our athletes and their potential. We are incredibly thankful for this support, which will open doors for generations to come."
The gift, part of the donor's estate plan, will benefit women's athletics in two key areas:
- $4 million will fund scholarships for all female student-athletes
- $500,000 will support improvements to the Saluki Softball Stadium
Coaches from SIU's women's programs expressed excitement and gratitude for the gift and its significance for their teams.
Kelly Bond-White, Women's Basketball Head Coach
"The energy at SIU is growing. Gifts like this—and every contribution—show that together we can create opportunities, break barriers and uplift not only current Saluki women athletes, but the next generation as well."
Geoff Hanson, Swimming and Diving Head Coach
"This is an incredible gift to SIU and the tremendous student-athletes who represent Saluki women. Expanding scholarship opportunities for swimmers and divers nationally and internationally will help us grow the program at both the MVC and NCAA levels. We're extremely grateful."
Brittany Harry, Volleyball Head Coach
"We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary $4.5 million gift to Saluki women's athletics. This generosity is a powerful investment in our student-athletes and a clear reminder that the world is watching—and valuing—women's sports more than ever. Thank you for believing in our mission and our future."
Richard Jones, Track and Field Head Coach
"This is a huge benefit to SIU Athletics. It gives our female student-athletes additional resources to succeed and helps level the playing field with other programs in our conference and across the country."
Graeme Orr, Soccer Head Coach
"Support from generous donors who recognize the value of women's athletics is vital to our growth and success. Their investment goes beyond finances—it sends a powerful message that our student-athletes matter and that their hard work is seen and valued."
Samantha Sambursky, Women's Golf Head Coach
"This gift will create lasting opportunities for our female student-athletes. I know firsthand the life-changing impact a scholarship can have, and I'm grateful for the difference this will make for so many."
Jen Sewell, Softball Head Coach
"This donation is more than a facilities upgrade—it's an investment in our athletes, our program and the future of college softball. It will help us build a first-class facility that reflects the dedication and passion of our staff and players. This $4.5 million gift is a powerful statement about the importance of women's athletics and a vote of confidence in our athletes and their potential. We are incredibly thankful for this support, which will open doors for generations to come."
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