Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Salisbury University

small2 salisbury
The Official Home of the Salisbury University Sea Gulls
small salisbury
#GOGULLS
big salisbury
Addi Wood 1650 Free Podium, 3-21-26
Tufts University Athletics

General

Salisbury Athletics Celebrates Record-Setting Fundraising Year

Addi Wood gave women's swimming a National Runner-Up for the first time in program history.
Salisbury, MD-- Salisbury University Athletics and the Maroon & Gold Club are celebrating a landmark year of generosity, engagement, and momentum made possible by the thousands of alumni, families, and friends who continue to invest in the Sea Gull experience.

Record-breaking support from nearly 3500 donors included almost 4,000 individual gifts and pledges and surpassed $1.6 million in FY26, the largest amounts ever in gifts, pledges and total dollars. Those gifts provide critical resources that enhance the student-athlete experience and strengthen the future of Salisbury University Athletics.

One of the clearest highlights came on Giving Day. Athletics, Recreation, and Club Sports raised over $300,000 from nearly 2000 gifts in just 24 hours, accounting for nearly half of all dollars raised University wide and more than half of all donors on that day.  Unique causes like field hockey locker room renovations, strength and conditioning equipment, soccer technology and various other facility enhancements were made possible on Giving Day.  

"This level of engagement reflects the pride and passion Sea Gull supporters continue to show year after year," said Stan Bradley, Athletics Development Officer at SU.

Several major initiatives also helped define this year's momentum:
  • A new large-scale corporate partnership, the first of its kind for SU and one that directly supports Athletics, is nearly finalized.
  • New support from alumni-owned businesses, including Playa Bowls, Rise Up, and others.
  • Launch of the Sea Gull Leadership Academy, supported through corporate gifts, helps prepare our student-athletes to lead and prepare for life after SU.
  • The Champions Circle grew to more than a dozen committed donors, paired with many other one-time gifts, making a meaningful impact on postseason expenses.
Kai Smith cemented the Gulls amazing year with two National Championships at the Track & Field Championships.
"Our community continues to show how much Sea Gull Athletics means to them," said Monica Polizzi, Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation.  "The support we saw this year, from Giving Day to major gifts to new corporate support, is helping us build the kind of future our student-athletes deserve. We are excited about where we are headed and grateful for everyone who is helping us get there."

The results show. Salisbury Athletics finished in the top 25 of the Learfield Director's Cup.  Their 22nd overall finish, representing the national standings of all Sea Gull teams, is their highest place since 2015 compared to all NCAA Division III colleges and universities.

"Sea Gull Athletics looks forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead, strengthening community, expanding opportunities, and continuing to elevate the student-athlete experience at Salisbury University," Bradley added.

For more information or to support Sea Gull Athletics, reach out to Stan Bradley at sbradley@salisbury.edu
 
Print Friendly Version