Friends of Bates Athletics raised a record $1.3 million last fiscal year, and these annual gifts will now have an even greater impact on the student-athlete experience at Bates.

Starting July 1, 2024, each gift to FBA is now allocated 90% to a donor’s chosen team(s) and 10% to the Bates Athletics Equity and Excellence Fund. “This is a huge win for all our student-athletes,” says Associate Director of Athletics Adrienne Shibles ’91 P’26. “We can ensure going forward that valuable training and resources – such as workshops with a sports psychologist or a new shared sound system for the weight room – will be available to all coaches and their teams, improving the student-athlete experience across the college.”

Several head coaches were involved in the development of this fund, which allows Bates to do even more to promote overall achievement. “Our program has always been proud to contribute to departmental initiatives,” observes Head Football Coach Matt Coyne. “The EEF provides a formal avenue to continue to do the same thing, while allowing me the flexibility to use our remaining FBA dollars on team-specific needs.”

Head Field Hockey Coach Dani Kogut agrees. “We have been fortunate to garner a lot of support through the FBA challenge,” she explains.  “Other programs don’t always have the same level of support, and it’s important that we create a way to provide all our students with the resources needed to compete at the highest level.”

FBA donors are enthusiastic about this opportunity as well, with some already making gifts designated exclusively to the Equity and Excellence Fund. 

Whether on the sidelines, viewing our livestreams, or through their FBA support, we are grateful to our alumni, families, and friends for ensuring Bates student-athletes thrive.

For more information or to support the Equity and Excellence Fund, contact batesfund@bates.edu.