The Virginia women's basketball program has achieved a remarkable milestone with the receipt of its largest donation in program history. This generous contribution came from UVA alum Alexis Ohanian, who is not only a co-founder of Reddit but also the founder of the venture capital firm Seven Seven Six. As announced by the Virginia Athletics Foundation, Virginia Athletics, and Ohanian on Thursday evening, this gift holds significant importance for the future of the program. Unlock the Potential of Virginia Women's Basketball with a Record-breaking Donation
Ohanian's Long-standing Support for Women's Sports
Alexis Ohanian, a longtime advocate for women's sports and the husband of 23-time Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams, has shown unwavering dedication to this cause. His decision to invest in the Virginia women's basketball program is a testament to his belief in the talent and potential of female athletes. Graduating from the UVA McIntire School of Commerce in 2005, Ohanian went on to co-found Reddit the same year. Four years ago, he established the venture capital firm Seven Seven Six with the aim of advancing the tech and VC industries. His commitment to women's sports is truly unparalleled, as evidenced by his recent donation.
Ohanian's presence at the Virginia women's basketball season opener against American on November 8th was a significant moment. The UVA team emerged victorious with a 104-68 score, and Ohanian met with the Cavaliers in the locker room after the game. Inspired by what he witnessed on the court and in the locker room, he made the decision to make a record-breaking donation to the program just over a month later.
The Impact on Recruiting and Retention
According to the press release, this donation is the second-largest gift to women's athletics in UVA school history. It will be utilized to "elevate Virginia Women's Basketball recruiting and retention of championship level talent." By providing the necessary financial resources, UVA can become a premier destination for female student-athletes, addressing the financial and competitive demands of the new era of college athletics. This investment will help attract the nation's best hoops talent to Charlottesville and set the stage for future championship victories.
UVA head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton is one of the biggest beneficiaries of this donation. She took the time to record a video expressing her gratitude to Ohanian for his generosity. Her words, "Blessed to have you in our corner and in our FAMILY!" highlight the significance of his support for the program.
The Future of Women's Athletics at UVA
Virginia Director of Athletics Carla Williams commended Ohanian's foresight and commitment to the future of women's athletics at the University. His investment will not only enhance the on-court performance of the women's basketball team but also serve as an inspiration for future generations of female athletes. With this record-breaking donation, UVA is poised to make significant strides in the world of women's sports.
The Virginia women's basketball program is now on a path towards greater success, thanks to Ohanian's generous contribution. This donation represents a turning point for the program, opening up new opportunities and setting the stage for a bright future.