For the third consecutive year, the Athletics Day of Donors at Hobart and William Smith Colleges has shattered expectations, raising more than $1 million in just 24 hours. With 3,230 donors rallying behind the cause, the event brought in $1,011,430—soaring 161% past its initial goal of $625,000.
This year’s top-earning William Smith teams included Soccer, which led with $154,736, followed by Field Hockey with $65,893 and Rowing at $39,242. On the Hobart side, Soccer raised $127,003, while Basketball and Lacrosse secured $101,080 and $68,912, respectively.
The annual Caird Challenge, established by Cindy Caird Gitelson L.H.D. ’12 in honor of her late husband, James F. Caird ’56, L.H.D. ’12, continued to motivate donors, awarding $25,000 in bonus funds to teams that exceeded their fundraising goals. This year’s recipients included the HWS Student-Athlete Excellence Fund, Hobart Volleyball and Basketball, and William Smith Soccer, Ice Hockey, and Volleyball.
“On behalf of our 30 intercollegiate programs, our coaches, support staff and, most importantly, our 750 student-athletes, we thank every donor for their incredible generosity,” said Brian Miller, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation. “This level of pride and support is unique to Hobart and William Smith; it doesn’t just happen anywhere.”
A campus panel recognized teams for creative fundraising videos, with Hobart’s Sailing, Soccer, and Basketball teams taking top honors, while William Smith’s Ice Hockey, Volleyball, and Field Hockey teams earned recognition for their spirited submissions.
Beyond fundraising totals, this year’s event also celebrated participation growth. HWS Sailing and William Smith Soccer were recognized for the highest increase in donor engagement. The Student-Athlete Excellence Fund, initially targeting $2,500, saw overwhelming support, raising $15,200 from 92 donors—exceeding its goal by more than 600%.
To further encourage participation, standout student fundraisers were rewarded with hydration gift baskets, featuring Owala water bottles, liquid IV, and other fitness essentials. Top advocates included Antonia Goerke ’27, Tessa Yohan ’25, Thomas Coughlin, and William Redman ’27.
With another record-breaking year in the books, the success of Athletics Day of Donors continues to strengthen HWS Athletics, ensuring student-athletes have the resources to excel on and off the field.
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