Salisbury University Athletics set an FY26 fundraising record after nearly 3,500 donors made almost 4,000 individual gifts and pledges totaling more than $1.6 million. The total represented the largest amount ever raised by Salisbury University Athletics in gifts, pledges and total dollars. The Salisbury University Athletics and Maroon & Gold Club announcement came Aug. 13, 2026.
The fundraising provided resources to enhance the student-athlete experience and support the future of Salisbury University Athletics. Stan Bradley, athletics development officer at Salisbury University, credited the continued engagement of Sea Gull supporters.
“This level of engagement reflects the pride and passion Sea Gull supporters continue to show year after year,” Bradley said.
Giving Day Raised More Than $300,000
Athletics, Recreation and Club Sports raised more than $300,000 from nearly 2,000 gifts during Giving Day. The 24-hour event accounted for nearly half of all dollars raised universitywide and more than half of all donors that day.
Giving Day funds supported field hockey locker room renovations, strength and conditioning equipment, soccer technology and other facility enhancements. The fundraising directed support toward specific needs across Salisbury University programs.
Corporate Support Expanded Fundraising Efforts
Salisbury University Athletics also reported progress on several broader fundraising initiatives. A new large-scale corporate partnership, described as the first of its kind for Salisbury University and one that directly supports athletics, was nearly finalized.
Alumni-owned businesses, including Playa Bowls and Rise Up, provided new support. The Sea Gull Leadership Academy launched with support from corporate gifts and is designed to prepare student-athletes to lead and for life after Salisbury University.
The Champions Circle grew to more than a dozen committed donors. Other one-time gifts supported postseason expenses.
“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.”
Salisbury University Athletics Finished 22nd in Directors’ Cup
The fundraising results came as Salisbury University Athletics finished 22nd overall in the 2025-26 Learfield Directors’ Cup standings. It was Salisbury’s highest finish since 2015 among NCAA Division III colleges and universities.
The source announcement also highlighted Addi Wood as the first National Runner-Up in Salisbury women’s swimming program history.
“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.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Salisbury University Athletics’ FY26 results reflected broad participation and support for specific program needs. Nearly 3,500 donors contributed almost 4,000 gifts and pledges, while Giving Day generated more than $300,000 for facility and equipment projects.
The fundraising year also included new corporate and alumni-owned business support, the launch of the Sea Gull Leadership Academy and growth in the Champions Circle. Those efforts, combined with Salisbury’s 22nd-place Learfield Directors’ Cup finish, provided important context for the department’s emphasis on strengthening the student-athlete experience.
Source: Original report
