What an incredible and historic year for Saint Mary’s University Athletics! We’re thrilled and thankful with all that was accomplished over the past year.
During the 2024-25 school year, we raised a record-breaking $3,258,572.42 from 1,022 generous gifts, making it the most successful fundraising year in history.
We’re deeply grateful for the generous support of our benefactors, alumni, corporate partners, community members, and fans, whose contributions to Saint Mary’s University Athletics and the Cardinal Excellence Fund empower our student-athletes to reach their fullest potential.
Our Cardinal student-athletes consistently demonstrate their talent, character, and commitment, proudly showcasing their abilities to the community while serving as a source of pride and inspiration for the entire Saint Mary’s University campus.
“A transformational and historic gift that is now the David R. Thies Arena is really a testament of belief and support from others in what we are doing here,” said Athletic Director Brian Sisson.
“To see our student-athletes growth in the classroom, in competition, and in life, our overall support from everyone assists in that.” added Sisson
Highlights from the 2024-25 academic school year:
– We received the largest gift in athletic history ($2.625 million), thanks to the incredible generosity of David R. Thies B’59 and his wife, Marlys, paving the way for a complete renovation of the university’s gymnasium now called the David R. Thies Arena.
– New turf was installed at Ochrymowycz Field
– The Cardinal Excellence Fund Hall of Fame Dinner in March was a success, celebrating five new inductees.
– Cardinal Softball made history with its second-ever NCAA Division III World Series appearance after hosting both Regionals and Super Regionals on campus for the first time.
– Women’s Soccer reached a new milestone by competing in its first-ever MIAC Championship game.
– Six Cardinal athletic programs finished in the top five of the MIAC.
– We celebrated 100 years of Cardinal Baseball at Max Molock Field, with over 75 alumni returning for the special occasion.
– Cardinal Student-athletes had a 3.3 GPA or above for a record 11th straight semester
– We formally announced the launch of Game Plan for Life, an new initiative designed to help senior student-athletes prepare for life beyond collegiate athletics.
– The impact of the Cardinal Excellence Fund has not gone unnoticed by those who benefit from its support. Our student-athletes and coaches recognize and appreciate the dedication behind these efforts and the opportunities they help create.
“Our Saint Mary’s Women’s Basketball program is beyond excited to call the new David R. Thies Arena home,” said Head Women’s Basketball Coach Courtney Shelton. “This incredible facility will elevate our game-day atmosphere, give our student-athletes and fans an unforgettable experience, and create an amazing home-court advantage for our team.
The Athletics department and university is not stopping here! There is still so much in store in the year ahead such as:
– Enhancement of live streaming capabilities
– Continued locker room upgrades
– A new ice resurfacer for the Saint Mary’s Ice Arena
– New partnerships welcoming partners Kwik Trip, El Patron, Fastenal, and Hotel 44 North to the Cardinal family for the upcoming year.
“Cardinal Athletics has a lot to celebrate and we look forward to more great moments in the year to come,” said Sisson.
The next major event for the Cardinal Excellence Fund is just around the corner! Registration for the CEF Golf Outing is well underway, and we can’t wait to see everyone on September 6, 2025, at Cedar Valley Golf Course. If you’d like to join us, you can sign up here.
For more information on how you can help support Cardinal athletics and the Cardinal Excellence Fund, contact Brian Sisson at 507-457-1638 or bsisson@smumn.edu.
