Back Your Devils: What it Means
To many, Back Your Devils Week may just seem like a standard crowdfunding event where an Athletic Department asks for money from its supporters. However, the impact of this record-setting week is real and tangible for the student-athletes and coaches it affects.
“It was fun to have a week with all the teams connecting with their donors and trying to increase our resources together," Sun Devil Men's Golf head coach Matt Thurmond said. "You can feel a certain energy when everyone shoots for the same goals. I believe that everyone, including all donors, want to be a part of something special and something bigger than themselves. This week was about that and it’s awesome to see so many jump in to support our teams.”
The week pitted each program against one another as they strove to raise the most money in support of their teams and more importantly, their student-athletes.
After seven days of tireless fundraising, the dust settled with a somewhat ambiguous winner: Sun Devil Men's Golf.
“I know it looks like we were the top performing team relative to achieving the highest percentage of our goal, but the truth is, our Water Polo team raised the most money," Thurmond added. "I’m really excited for Petra Pardi and her staff and I just think it is awesome how Water Polo’s friends and fans are supporting the program. In my mind Water Polo really won this thing, and I’m happy for them.”
Although Men's Golf raised 128% of their goal, Water polo technically raised more by a few hundred dollars. After jumping out to an early lead, head coach Petra Pardi asked that her program's goal be elevated from $10,000 to $15,000. As she and her team continued to raise money, the elevated goal reduced the percentage overall, creating TWO winners.
"Back Your Devils Week was an excellent initiative, and it gave us a great opportunity to not only fundraise but to bring together our team, family, friends, alumni, and donors from near and far," Water Polo head coach Petra Pardi said. "The turnout was much better than we could have anticipated!"
This is the very essence of Back Your Devils Week and both of these programs did outstanding jobs connecting with their supporters, alumni and the community as a whole to raise funds that will now be crucial in elevating the experience of their student-athletes.
“Our golf donors are amazing. They continue to support our team and drive our success with their generosity and interest in our student-athletes.”
Thanks to everyone who took part in Back Your Devils Week and Sun Devil Giving Day. Both were a resounding success and we owe it all to the Sun Devil Community. In total, we raised over $100,000 for our student-athletes from over 300 individuals.
Didn't get a chance to make your impact? Don't worry! Make a gift to a program or fund that means a lot to you today!