Who would win between football and basketball? Lacrosse and tennis? Golf and volleyball? We’ll never have a definitive answer, but with the Cardinal Athletics Giving Challenge, we level the playing field so that the varsity sports can compete against each other. Next year's challenge dates will be released soon!

In this two-week challenge, you can help your favorite teams compete for glory and prizes. Up to 12 teams could win prize money: In the categories of most donors, the first, second, and third place for both the men's and women's teams — in these two categories: most donors and highest participation.

Frequently asked questions

How are the rankings calculated?

The rankings vary by year. Please return once the dates are confirmed. 

Who can participate in the challenge?

Everyone! Alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends. Just donate to your favorite team during the challenge.

Which teams are included in the challenge?

All varsity teams are included!

I want to up the ante. Can I be a challenge donor?

Of course! We’d love to talk with you about how your large gift could be leveraged into a challenge gift. Contact us about becoming a challenge donor!

Results and stories about the challenge
Fans cheer from the Cardinal Stadium stands
Our most successful athletics challenge yet
November 13, 2020
In the past two weeks, the University's athletics programs and teams raised $236,475. But this year's challenge was the most successful yet, not because it raised the most money (even though it did) but because 2,327 members of our community rallied in support of our student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff during this difficult time.
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The winning athletics teams
Unprecedented support for Cardinal Athletics
November 13, 2019
Compared to last year, the Cardinal Athletics Giving Challenge tripled the number of donors. This year, the top two teams attracted more donors than all 23 teams did last year. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Cardinal Athletics raised $163,539 during the challenge.
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Baseball and Lacrosse teams
2018 Cardinal Athletics Giving Challenge
November 19, 2018
We thank everyone who participated in the Second Annual Cardinal Athletics Giving Challenge. Between September 1 and October 31, 2018, more than 500 alumni, parents, staff, students, and friends donated to varsity athletics teams, a 40 percent increase in participation!
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