The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced the launch of the Basketball Excellence Funds, which will support the greatest areas of need for our men's and women's basketball programs. Resources allocated to these funds will have a direct impact on the operating needs of each program, as well as their student-athletes, coaches and support staff.
 
This launch allows Valpo Athletics to continue to evolve in alignment with the new opportunities for student-athletes created through the House Settlement, which allows institutions to provide enhanced benefits to their student-athletes.
 
"This is an important moment for Valpo Athletics as we shape the future of our basketball programs together," Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Laurel Hosmer said. "The changing landscape of college athletics — including new models for supporting student-athletes — requires that we be both bold and faithful to who we are. It is imperative to our success that our community supports the expansion of our resources in a way that affords a realistic opportunity for our student-athletes to grow and thrive in this new environment. Contributions to the Basketball Excellence Funds will play a vital role in recruiting and retaining elite student-athletes. Your support is paramount as we come together to carry on the Valpo Basketball tradition and maximize our athletic department's platform as the front porch of the University, telling the story of our mission and values."
 
The launch of the Basketball Excellence Funds serves as a response to the current national landscape and will help the programs achieve long-term success and provide crucial support for recruiting and retaining the caliber of student-athletes who will make meaningful contributions to the programs' pursuit of Missouri Valley Conference championships.
 
"The young women who we are bringing into this program have a different level of commitment," head women's basketball coach Courtney Boyd said. "They understand what it takes in the classroom and on the court, but the importance of giving back to the community that gives to us is understood on a very high level. Your support for the excellence fund helps us give back to those well-rounded student-athletes. As we build this program together, your support will play a meaningful role in our recruiting and retention, helping us shape an on-court product that will make our institution and community proud."
 
Basketball is woven into the fabric of Valparaiso University, contributing to school spirit, community pride and a shared history. Supporting this fund is not only an investment in wins, but also an investment in our collective identity and long-term success.
 
"My goal as a coach has always been to transform the lives of young men," head coach Roger Powell Jr. said. "The excellence fund and the modern college basketball landscape have provided us with a new way to invest in the special people that we have in our program. Your generous contributions to our excellence fund make a transformational impact on our players. During my time as an assistant coach at Valpo under Coach Bryce Drew, I learned what cutting down the nets and winning championships means in this community. Your support will help us carry on that legacy and create those special moments again."
 
Click here to give to the Men's Basketball Excellence Fund today. Click here to give to the Women's Basketball Excellence Fund Today. Click here for more information on the funds.