Colby College’s athletic programs continue to grow and thrive thanks to the generosity of alumni, friends, and other donors. Recent contributions to the cross country, field hockey, football, and track & field teams have provided important funding for experiences and program enhancements. These gifts demonstrate the deep connections between past and present Mules, ensuring student athletes have additional resources to succeed now and in the future.

A generous anonymous donor has contributed to the Friends of Field Hockey Endowment Fund. This donation will go toward new equipment, travel expenses, and new opportunities, helping the team remain competitive in NESCAC.

There are many aspects to building a successful program. For the field hockey program, team bonding is a priority. The team offers developmental training to help teammates with communication, cooperation, and conquering adversity.

“All of the support goes toward the athletes’ experience,” said Head Field Hockey Coach Allison Whittemore. “We have such wonderful alumni and parents. The team doesn’t always know where the funding comes from, but they know that their community is bigger than just the 24 on the team.”

For the field hockey team, connections matter. The community that surrounds and supports the athletic program helps keep a competitive edge and attract future students.

“Donations really solidify the idea that once you enter the program, you leave it better than how you found it, and once your four years are over, you know you are not done,” said Whittemore. “You have connections to your team and people you never played with that you will always be connected to.”

Whittemore is in her fourth season as head field hockey coach after serving as an assistant coach. “We have grown substantially,” she said “Donors play such a huge role in our success. All the little details truly mean the world to our program.”

The Colby football program recently received a significant donation from Dennis Cameron ’71, Paul Edmunds ’71, and James Faulkner ’71 to establish the Class of ’71 Football Operating Endowment. Their collective donation will support travel expenses, staffing, and recruiting.

“Colby alumni are impressive in their support for the College,” said Jack Cosgrove, the Dick McGee Head Coach for Colby Football. “It just speaks to the relationships that exist on campus and the passion that alumni feel for the institution and what it did for them.”

Cameron, Edmunds, and Faulkner strive to get together and support the team in many ways. The three reunite regularly, attending games at Middlebury College and the popular Colby-Bowdoin game. After a recent tour of the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center and the chance to meet the team in the locker room before a game, Faulkner said he was pleased and impressed with how much the program has improved.

“For a number of years, it has been clear to us that Coach Cosgrove has elevated the football program in every aspect, including the coaching staff, the number of players, the conditioning, the facilities, uniforms, equipment, game attendance, game excitement, and incredible school spirit.”

For the three former football players from the Class of 1971, Colby football made a lasting impact on their lives. “Colby has a special place in my heart,” said Edmunds. “It was a great experience, and it prepares you for later experiences in life.”