CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia Athletics and the Virginia Athletics Foundation (VAF) announced today (April 2) that an alumni couple has made a remarkable 1.067-million-dollar commitment that will create a lasting and meaningful impact on the Virginia Field Hockey program.
This generous investment, coupled with a 50 percent match from the VAF, will endow a full out-of-state scholarship in perpetuity, ensuring that future generations of student-athletes have access to exceptional educational and athletic opportunities at the University of Virginia.
The endowed scholarship will provide sustained support for one of UVA’s most competitive and tradition-rich programs highlighted by six final four appearances, six ACC regular season titles, three national players of the year, and multiple Olympians. By establishing this scholarship, the donors are helping secure the program’s long-term success while advancing the values of excellence, leadership, and opportunity that define the student-athlete experience at UVA.
The UVA alumni family, despite having no prior connection as student-athletes or field hockey parents, recognized that the sport has historically received less philanthropic support than other programs. Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful difference, they chose to lead by example—demonstrating philanthropic vision and investing in a program where their support could have a profound and lasting impact.
This gift joins a growing list of recent seven-figure commitments supporting women’s programs, including anonymous gifts to Women’s Lacrosse, Tim & Jennifer Smith’s support of baseball and women’s sports, Pat Hogan’s investments in baseball, softball, and women’s golf, Richard Tadler’s support of men’s basketball, men’s golf, and women’s golf, the Lyons Family volleyball court, and the Olympic Endowed Scholarship for Women’s Swimming Fund.
This generous investment, coupled with a 50 percent match from the VAF, will endow a full out-of-state scholarship in perpetuity, ensuring that future generations of student-athletes have access to exceptional educational and athletic opportunities at the University of Virginia.
The endowed scholarship will provide sustained support for one of UVA’s most competitive and tradition-rich programs highlighted by six final four appearances, six ACC regular season titles, three national players of the year, and multiple Olympians. By establishing this scholarship, the donors are helping secure the program’s long-term success while advancing the values of excellence, leadership, and opportunity that define the student-athlete experience at UVA.
The UVA alumni family, despite having no prior connection as student-athletes or field hockey parents, recognized that the sport has historically received less philanthropic support than other programs. Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful difference, they chose to lead by example—demonstrating philanthropic vision and investing in a program where their support could have a profound and lasting impact.
This gift joins a growing list of recent seven-figure commitments supporting women’s programs, including anonymous gifts to Women’s Lacrosse, Tim & Jennifer Smith’s support of baseball and women’s sports, Pat Hogan’s investments in baseball, softball, and women’s golf, Richard Tadler’s support of men’s basketball, men’s golf, and women’s golf, the Lyons Family volleyball court, and the Olympic Endowed Scholarship for Women’s Swimming Fund.
Message From Anonymous Donor
“We are incredibly honored to be able support Virginia Field Hockey, and we hope our gift will help the program build on its long history of sustained success as a leading program in the country. Field hockey is a great sport, and the young women who play for UVA are not only world-class athletes but also top students and leading citizens. We are truly humbled to have the opportunity to contribute to the team’s tradition of excellence by funding this scholarship. And, in today’s world, where the cost to field a competitive team in any sport continues to climb year after year, it’s our hope that our gift will not only positively impact Virginia Field Hockey, but UVA Athletics as a whole.”
Message From Head Coach, Ole Keugsen
“We are deeply grateful for this incredible gift to Virginia Field Hockey. It is a transformative contribution that will positively impact our program for years to come. We are fortunate to be part of such a supportive UVA community, whose generosity and belief in our student-athletes help keep our program among the top in the country. The anonymous gift made possible by two UVA alumni strengthens our ability to develop outstanding players and people, and it will play a meaningful role in the continued success and growth of Virginia Field Hockey”
Message From Kevin Miller - Executive Director of VAF and Deputy Athletics Director
“Our community is strengthened when individuals step forward to champion programs that need it most. We are profoundly appreciative of the vision and dedication demonstrated by this alumni couple. Their extraordinary investment will have a lasting impact on the lives of our student-athletes and will inspire others who share a commitment to the future of Virginia Athletics.”
About Virginia Athletics Foundation
About Virginia Athletics Foundation
The Virginia Athletics Foundation (VAF) proudly supports the University of Virginia’s 27 men’s and women’s Division I programs. Cavalier Olympic sport programs consistently rank among the nation’s best, but their continued success depends on strong philanthropic investment. The leadership and generosity reflected in gifts like this ignite the spirit of Virginia Athletics, fueling championship pursuits, enriching the student-athlete experience, and inspiring the next generation of Cavaliers. For more information about supporting UVA student-athletes, please visit Virginia Athletics Foundation or email vafweb@virginia.edu.