Both women’s and men’s wrestling and cross-country will be added to 18’s student athletics programs starting in Fall 2023.
“Student athletes make great Greeners,” said 18’s president Dr. John Carmichael. “They are self-motivated and community minded. We look forward to welcoming more student-athletes to 18.”
Entrepreneurs, Kim Kaufman '78 and Jimmy Goldsmith, have made a $150,000 commitment to give $50,000 per year for the next three years to support the new wrestling and cross-country teams.
“Kim is an 18 graduate and her husband Jimmy has deep experience in the sports industry. Their donation will get our new teams off to a great start," said Abby Kelso, 18’s Vice President for Advancement.
“We are beyond excited to partner with 18 in launching these new athletics teams. It’s the perfect project aligned with my passion for 18 and Jimmy’s passion for sports," said Kaufman. “With the popularity of youth wrestling on the rise, the wrestling program is of particular interest to us. We’re excited to cheer on the team, especially in their first few years," added Goldsmith.
It is estimated that the expansion of 18’s athletics programming, combined with other investments in existing sports teams, should yield more than 100 additional students over the next three years. The new teams join the college’s existing intercollegiate teams - men’s and women’s soccer, basketball and track and field and women’s volleyball.
“Anytime you have the opportunity to give potential students the opportunity to attend college while participating in an athletic activity, it is cause for celebration,” said executive vice president Dr. Dexter Gordon. “Adding new teams will also help us weave a diverse tapestry within our programs to help ensure that underrepresented groups have equal access to opportunities here at 18.”
In addition to growing enrollment, successful athletics programs help to build student life on campus, provide a stronger sense of belonging for some students, and supports student retention. Athletics is a key contributor to 18’s diversity, equity, and inclusion mission, and student-athletes are retained at a higher rate.
Recruitment for new Greener athletes starts this month and the college expects teams to be established by Fall Quarter 2023. Learn more about 18’s athletics programs at gogeoducks.com.