PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University Athletics achieved a record-setting fundraising year, raising more than $30 million during the 2020-21 fiscal year that concluded June 30.
 
"We are grateful to all of our donors for their collective generosity," said WSU Director of Athletics Pat Chun. "This achievement is a direct reflection of the commitment our Cougs have towards our student-athletes, coaches and the Department of Athletics. We continue to set records in fundraising and that continued momentum will serve us well as we further our mission to deliver a world class experience to our student-athletes."
 
Because of the generosity from Cougar Athletic Fund (CAF) members, WSU student-athletes, programs, and facilities are benefiting from resources dedicated to enhancing the overall experience provided, that includes scholarships and sport-specific needs.
 
The year was highlighted by a $6 million challenge initiated by Scott and Lisa Taylor and Ken and Sue Christianson, which provided a major boost to the fundraising efforts for the Indoor Practice Facility (IPF) and Champions Complex projects, benefiting all student-athletes.
 
Additionally, the $10 million Cougar Baseball Complex opened its doors to student-athletes, making an immediate impact on the program. Furthermore, fundraising efforts for Catapult, a sports performance technology, raised approximately $240,000 to benefit football student-athletes in their training efforts.
 
The Super Senior campaign, which supports student-athletes who have been impacted by COVID-19 and were granted additional eligibility by the NCAA, has raised nearly $100,000 to date. The campaign continues through the 2021-22 competition season.
 
Year over year since FY17, the CAF has watched donor philanthropy in support of our student-athletes increase dramatically, resulting in the top four fundraising years of all-time further supporting the mission of our department to provide our student-athletes with a transformational experience while at WSU and beyond.
 
"We owe our CAF supporters a huge thank you for their continued philanthropy this past year," said Mitch Straub, Deputy Director, Cougar Athletic Fund. "Because of their generosity, our student-athletes are better positioned for success."
 
The CAF recognizes the start of the 2021-22 athletic season with the inaugural Kickoff with the Cougs virtual event, Aug. 26. Tickets are on sale now at cougarathleticfund.com.
 
The Cougar Athletic Fund (CAF) is the fundraising arm of the Washington State University Athletic Department. For more information about the CAF, visit cougarathleticfund.com.