RAD48 unites Highlanders from across the nation to support student-athletes

A record-breaking number of donors came together to support Radford Athletics during this year’s RAD48 giving day. Last year, the most successful giving day to date garnered nearly 800 supporters. This year, that number increased by more than 12%. Highlanders from across the nation united to raise more than $150,000 to protect and preserve the student-athlete experience at Radford.

Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends had 48 hours – from noon on February 6 to noon on February 8 – to demonstrate their Highlander pride by supporting their preferred area of impact. These areas included each of Radford’s 16 Division I sports teams, Cheer and Dance, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and general support. 

Various giving challenges, like gathering the most supporters and securing the most dollars, helped to ramp up the competition between teams. Baseball led the field, topping the Dollars Raised Leaderboard and winning the Athletic Director’s Challenge, which recognized the team with the most donors.

Head Baseball Coach Alex Guerra got his team involved by making each student-athlete an ambassador. By reaching out to their own personal networks and inspiring them to give, the ambassadors played a critical role in making RAD48 a success.

“The first part was just educating them on the importance of giving. Then we challenged them. We made all of them ambassadors and tried to get them to reach out to as many people as possible, whether it was friends, family or former coaches,” said Guerra. “Over 200 people donated, which is even more than last year. It’s hard to put into words how appreciative we are. It takes a village, and I’m very thankful that so many people support us.”

The costs associated with competition have continued to rise, making donations vital. Funding priorities during RAD48 included nutrition and wellness, travel, gear, technologies, recruiting and facility enhancements. Increased funding ensures that these needs can be met.

Women’s Lacrosse focused on fundraising for a portable press box, as well as additional travel and competition opportunities to raise the team’s competitive profile. The Highlander community rallied behind them, and the team won the Women’s Sports Most Donors Challenge and came in second for most donors overall.

“The effect of the RAD48 campaign cannot be understated, as every dollar raised goes directly to benefit our individual team’s critical needs,” said Associate Director for University Advancement Jon Zeitz. “Our donors’ generosity during RAD48 supports our Highlander student-athletes as they compete at the highest level to win championships, win in the classroom, and win as future leaders in our communities."

If you missed RAD48 but still want to help Radford student-athletes meet their goals on and off the playing field, you can support your favorite athletics fund by visiting https://connect.radford.edu/athletics.