Women's Cross Country and Track & Field Director Jen Straub on Why Give, Why Now

Can you share an example of one or two ways philanthropic support has made your program stronger recently?
Philanthropic support has been instrumental in the success of our program. For example, gifts have allowed our team to travel to highly competitive meets, preparing our scholar-athletes for optimal success in the A-10 championships. Another benefit has been the ability to provide our athletes with the same type of cutting-edge equipment Power 5 programs utilize, such as super spikes and carbon-based trainers – these shoes have had a profound effect on athletic performances nationwide.

What are some key ways you see your program advancing in the next 1, 2, 5 years?

Competing on the Women's Cross Country and Track & Field teams under the stellar coaching of Jen Straub was the highlight of my four years at Davidson. I will forever cherish the lifelong friendships that I developed with my teammates. I love supporting the next generations of student-athletes on these teams because I know that the training and competition they experience as Division I runners is setting them up to be among our world's greatest leaders in every sector. Coach Straub helps develop her runners into the best athletes and people they can be. I have so much respect for her that I asked her to be a bridesmaid in my wedding and the Godmother to my son, Max.
~ Ashley Griffith Kollme '05

Over the next few years, we hope to grow the women's program in terms of diversity of events and the number of athletes we will carry on the team. With these measures, we aim to make an enormous impact in the A-10 and climb into the top five in the conference. Additionally, we will strive to have more athletes compete at the NCAA regionals post-season, providing more national exposure for Davidson College and our athletic programs.

What do you see in our scholar-athletes every day that makes an investment in them worthwhile?
Our scholar-athletes work exceptionally hard in the classroom and on the track/field. The incredible drive and passion they exhibit daily is noticeable to the broader community. Our scholar-athletes are motivated to succeed and lead lives of leadership and service after they graduate.

What are you most excited about when you think about the future of your program?
We are so excited to watch our program grow over the next several years. With our new track facility on the horizon, we look forward to hosting home events and A-10 Championships. Having the community present at our home meets will bring a new energy to the team and additional support to the program. This will also impact recruiting and, in turn, generate an uptick in the number of scholar-athletes we bring to campus each fall.

"Athletics Done Right:" What does that mean to you?

Being cognizant and supportive of scholar-athletes both in the classroom and on the track/field allows our students to achieve greatness in both arenas. By supporting their community outreach, academic goals and athletics endeavors, the students trust that when they come to Davidson, they can fulfill a variety of roles. They are not simply athletes; they are dynamic individuals who have goals in other areas that make them future leaders in our broader society.

You can make a gift, supporting any of our 21 Division I programs, at this link.

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Recent Results