Alabama Soccer Receives $100,000 Gift for Upgrades
10/23/2002 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
It has been announced that the University of Alabama women’s soccer program has received a $100,000 gift, the largest private gift ever given to a women’s sport at the University.
University of Alabama graduate and former Crimson Tide football player Allen Cox allocated funds he donated to the Crimson Tradition Fund to go directly to the women’s soccer program.
“Part of the Crimson Tradition Fund plan is to upgrade the current soccer facilities,” said Cox. “I’m excited about Head Coach Don Staley and how hard the girls work and I wanted to help provide them with the facilities comparable to an SEC caliber program.”
The Crimson Tradition Fund is a $100 million capital campaign focusing on the improvement of existing athletic facilities for University of Alabama Athletics.
“When I got the call I was taken back with his thoughtfulness,” said Staley. “This gift lends itself to what (Athletic Director) Mal Moore has in mind for women’s soccer. We already have what I feel is the best lighting system and field in the conference. Now all we need are the amenities.”
The gift will be funneled in with the money raised from the Crimson Tradition Fund going towards the new soccer facility.
“I appreciate Allen’s gift to the Crimson Tradition Fund,” said University of Alabama Athletics Director Mal Moore. “It’s a perfect example that anyone who is giving a gift has the right to determine what their gift supports.”
“This gift will go a long way in helping women’s soccer, not just from a facility standpoint, but it will also stimulate interest in the program from both fans and blue-chip recruits,” said Staley.
A new soccer stadium will be built around the current playing field near the recreation fields. Groundbreaking for the $2.2 million project is scheduled to take place in May of 2003.
