Fundraising

Rebel Soccer Foundation Commits $125K Over Next Three Years

The UNLV Rebel Soccer Foundation has pledged a donation of $125,000 to the university’s men’s and women’s soccer programs, UNLV Athletics announced today.

The funds will be contributed over the next three years and provide additional financial support above and beyond the programs’ core budgets allocated by the athletics department.

“We’re very fortunate at UNLV to have passionate alumni and supporters who are earnest in their desire to create the best student-athlete experience,” UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper said. “I want to acknowledge and thank the UNLV Soccer Foundation for their incredible support.”

“We have a rich 40-year history of men and women who have played at UNLV and with this investment of $125,000, we hope that we can make an immediate impact to both the men’s and women’s soccer programs for years to come,” Dan Giraldo, UNLV Soccer Foundation president said. “Our goal is to help both programs so they can compete at the highest level and produce student-athletes who are successful on the field and in the classroom.  

“A special thank you goes to our sponsors, donors and alumni who have supported our tailgates, golf events and our alumni charity games because without them, this investment could not have happened!”

In alignment with UNLV Athletics’ mission and values, the donation has been allocated to acquire items and equipment that enhance the student-athlete experience and introduce innovative performance and training tools. The commitment will increase the annual recruiting budgets of both men’s and women’s soccer.

“We thank the UNLV Rebel Soccer Foundation for their continued outpouring of generosity and support for both programs,” UNLV women’s soccer head coach Jenny Ruiz-Williams said. “We’re excited to be able to add additional tools to improve analysis and performance.

“That being said,” Ruiz added, “the foundation’s support goes even beyond this. It’s incredible to have them at our games, serving our community at tailgate events, and giving the student-athletes constant support. We have so much gratitude for all that they do for us.” 

“What an amazing gift,” UNLV men’s soccer head coach BJ Craig added. “The members of the Foundation have provided such tremendous support to the programs and the student-athletes in so many ways. We’re very fortunate to have the generosity of this group in our community.”

Since its formation in 2016, the UNLV Rebels Soccer Foundation has worked to increase overall support for the programs in alignment with the athletics department to continue to assist UNLV Soccer in winning consistently academically and athletically. If you have an interest in joining the Foundation or making a donation, click here.

UNLV SOCCER FOUNDATION MAKES $40,000 DONATION TO MOMENTUM FUND

Gift to be allocated towards scholarships for both men’s and women’s soccer programs

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV Soccer Foundation has made a $40,000 donation to the Rebel Athletic Fund’s new D5 Momentum Fund 2.0 in a move to support both the men’s and women’s soccer programs during these unprecedented times, the athletics department announced Thursday.

“The UNLV Soccer Foundation is truly leading by example with this generous contribution,” said UNLV Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois. “The Momentum Fund is crucial in continuing our momentum toward creating a championship culture through the support of and investment in our student-athletes in all 17 of our sports programs at a time when it is needed the most.”

The $40,000 donation will be allocated evenly towards scholarships for both the men’s and women’s soccer programs.

“Our commitment today ensures the men and women of the UNLV soccer programs are supported during this health and humanitarian crisis,” said Dan Giraldo, UNLV Soccer Foundation President. “The board fully understands that these are unprecedented times where the health and safety of our student-athletes should remain a top priority and investing into the Momentum Fund is our way to help not only UNLV Soccer, but UNLV Athletics in this time of need. We hope that other foundations can step in, to the best of their abilities, and provide needed inspiration to their respective programs which will in turn assist the Momentum Fund and UNLV Athletics as a whole.”

“The generosity and support of the UNLV Soccer Foundation for both the men’s and women’s programs has been absolutely incredible since it was established four years ago,” said UNLV men’s soccer head coach Rich Ryerson. “This gift to the Momentum Fund illustrates the foundation’s dedication, not only to UNLV soccer, but also to UNLV Athletics. During my time serving as the head coach, this community has supported the program beyond expectations. On behalf of both the men’s and women’s soccer programs, I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the UNLV Soccer Foundation board members!”

“The support of the UNLV Soccer Foundation has been unbelievable,” said UNLV women’s soccer head coach Jenny Ruiz-Williams. “I am constantly filled with joy – day-to-day and moment-to-moment – by their encouragement, generosity, and selflessness as they invest in the future of both the men’s and women’s programs.”

The Momentum Fund originally debuted in March of this year, before evolving into the D5 Momentum Fund 2.0 in August as the athletics department, which is facing unprecedented financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, looks to overcome the loss of ticket and premium sales revenue. The new focus has a goal of raising $1.5 million from donors by the end of the calendar year.

For more information on the Momentum Fund 2.0 click here, or to make a gift click here.

Hamilton Drawing Winners

Congratulation to the winners of our Hamilton Ticket Raffle!

Will Stoddard, ticket #2984

Linda Bertuzzi ticket #3446

Mariam Brown ticket #4960

Claudia Vlastaris ticket #4963