Cardinals Build Their Legacy: $843,209 Raised for Student-Athletes in 2026 Athletics Giving Challenge

For eight days each fall, Catholic University's varsity teams compete for something other than a trophy. Between October 22 and 29, 3,368 donors gave $843,209 to support Cardinal Athletics and the University's student-athletes.

The challenge started with a kick-off happy hour where alumni gathered in downtown Washington, D.C., and built to a final-day push that brought many teams over the finish line. Along the way, alumni, parents, students, coaches, and friends turned team pride into financial support for every Cardinal program.

By the Numbers

• $843,209 raised, up nearly $70,000 from 2025's $774,437
• 3,368 donors 
• $143,700 in challenge and matching gifts unlocked
• Men's Baseball raised the most, with $163,991 going to their annual fund
• Men's Basketball drew the most donors, with 497 contributing
• Women’s Golf posted the highest alumni participation rate at 85.7%

“Nearly 3,500 Cardinals rallied around each and every team during these eight days. That’s what this challenge is all about,” said Kevin Robinson, vice president for athletics and recreation. “Our student-athletes work hard to represent Catholic University with excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in the community. This kind of support tells them that work is seen and valued. To everyone who gave, shared a link, or cheered on a team: thank you.”

Where Your Gifts Go

Every gift made during the challenge went directly to the program chosen by the donor. What does that look like in action?

Beyond travel, uniforms, and equipment, this funding is the difference between a team being able to stay in a hotel the night before a competition and boarding a bus at 4 a.m.on game day. These gifts mean implementing state-of-the-art software that helps student-athletes train smarter, providing access to proper nutrition before and after every practice, and much more. These day-to-day details make a massive impact, and for many of our student-athletes, they are what make the Catholic University experience exceptional.

The Teams That Set the Pace

Men’s Basketball rallied 497 donors, more than any other program in the challenge.

“When nearly 500 people choose to support your program, every player in the locker room feels it,” said Aaron Kelly, head coach of men’s basketball. “Our team took real pride in spreading the word, and our families, alumni, and friends answered the call. We’re going to carry that support with us all season long.”

For Women’s Golf, the strength came from former players.

“Our alumni built the standard this program plays to, and they showed up for it again this fall,” said Ed Dolan, head coach of men’s and women’s golf. “Seeing our former players give back tells our current team they’re part of a legacy. We’re grateful to every alumna who stepped up.”

A Community Effort

Behind the totals was a network of people who made the challenge work: Cardinals who put matching dollars on the line, advocates who shared their personal giving links, and coaches who reached out to former players and families.

“The challenge works because so many people take ownership of it,” said Neil Donahue, senior director of advancement for the Division of Athletics. “Our challenge donors raised the stakes, our advocates spread the word, and our coaches rallied their programs. Every gift, at every level, moved a team closer to its goal, and I’m thankful for each one.”

“The Cardinal Athletics Giving Challenge shows how much this community loves to compete for a good cause,” said Jenn Austin, senior director of annual giving. “We saw first-time donors, longtime supporters, current students, and recent graduates all show up for their teams. That kind of participation strengthens not only Cardinal Athletics but the entire University.”

Still Want to Give?

The challenge has ended, but you still have an opportunity to support Catholic University Athletics. You can make a gift to your favorite team anytime at CUCardsCompete.Catholic.edu. The Cardinal Athletics Giving Challenge returns in fall 2027; follow Catholic University Athletics on social media for details.