2025 Athletics Giving Challenge Raises Nearly $775,000 for Catholic University Athletics

On October 30, 2025, Catholic University Athletics completed its annual eight-day giving challenge. Thanks to the generosity of student-athletes, parents, alumni, and friends of the athletics community, a total of $774,437 was raised. This total breaks last year’s campaign record by more than $183,000, making it the most successful Athletics Giving Challenge to date!

This year's Cardinal Athletics Giving Challenge had a new energy compared to years past. Baseball achieved the highest total, with $155,030 raised for the team. Softball garnered the most donors among women’s programs with 358, while men’s basketball led the men’s programs with 472. Baseball, men's basketball, and women's lacrosse were the teams with the highest alumni participation rates, respectively.

What really set this challenge apart was that nearly every program had a specific donor goal that unlocked additional funds. More than $250,000 in challenge and matching gifts were on the line this year alone.

“We are so proud of our community for rallying together and raising nearly $775,000 for Cardinal Athletics,” said Kevin Robinson, vice president for athletics and recreation. “During the Athletics Giving Challenge, our student-athletes, alumni, and friends demonstrated key values we strive for–magnanimity, enthusiasm, and teamwork. I could not be happier with this year’s results and look forward to seeing how these contributions help our teams level up. It is awesome to see the commitment to student-athlete excellence from our community. Thank you!”

From the Coaches

Catholic University coaches see the impact that the Cardinal Athletics Giving Challenge has on student-athletes firsthand.

“We simply cannot thank our friends, family, alumni, and community enough for the incredible support shown throughout this year’s challenge,” said Matt Donohue, head women’s basketball coach, reflecting on how his team surpassed every goal they set. “Each gift received will go a long way in helping to create and enhance impactful life experiences for our amazing student-athletes!”

Sophie Maccarone, head softball coach, shared similar sentiments. “The Athletics Giving Challenge 2025 was one for the books! Catholic Softball raised more than ever before and surpassed last year’s number of donors. Our team cannot wait to put this generosity to work as we strive for a Landmark Conference Championship on our new turf field this season!”

“Over the past two weeks, our loyal Catholic University Baseball alumni, parents, and friends helped us achieve our most successful Cardinal Athletics Giving Challenge yet,” added Ross Natoli, head baseball coach. “On behalf of our entire coaching staff and players, THANK YOU. I hope you are as excited for the future of Catholic Baseball as I am."

You Made This Possible

The success of the Cardinal Athletics Giving Challenge is all because of you. Neil Donahue, senior director of advancement for the Division of Athletics, summed it up. “Our success this year came from every direction–the donors who offered challenge gifts, the alumni and parents who showed up in force, and the coaches who worked hard to mobilize their programs. Everyone played a role in getting us to this point. I'm grateful to be a part of a community that steps up for our student-athletes when it counts!"

Thank you for supporting Cardinal Athletics and The Catholic University of America.

The Cardinal Athletics Giving Challenge will return again next fall. Make sure to follow Catholic University Athletics on social media to get details about the 2026 competition. If you missed the chance to support your favorite Cardinal team during the challenge, you can still make a gift at CUCardsCompete.Catholic.edu.