Score one for teamwork

Wheaton alumni athletes and fans staged a friendly competition that resulted in a big win for current student-athletes. 

More than 400 alumni, faculty, staff and current students supported the college’s intercollegiate athletics program during Wheaton’s first Athletic Day of Donors on February 4. 

Working together, the community contributed more than $65,000 in just 24 hours, far surpassing the original $50,000 goal for the effort. The funds will address a variety of needs across Wheaton’s athletic programs, such as equipment, player nutrition, recruiting, travel and technology enhancements. 

“Being part of the Lyon community was the highlight of my Wheaton experience,” said Lydia Regan ’17, who served as one of 25 alumni athletic ambassadors promoting the campaign to fellow athletes. 

“Through the women’s lacrosse program, I discovered the depth of my own resilience, work ethic and ability to balance it all. This program—and Wheaton athletics as a whole—gave me lifelong friendships and even led me to my husband! Supporting the Athletic Day of Donors was an easy choice because I want future generations of Wheaton athletes to have the same incredible opportunities to grow, compete, and build lasting connections.”

Athletic ambassador Matt Lucerto ’04, a former member of the track and field team, also considers his participation in athletics as a defining experience and echoed Regan’s desire to provide current student-athletes with the same opportunities to thrive. 

“Wheaton Athletics fostered a deep sense of belonging and personal development,” said Lucerto. “It gave me a sense of community, discipline and purpose. Being part of a team taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and time management—skills that have continued to shape my personal and professional life.”

In keeping with the spirit of athletics, alumni from each team sought to out-raise the other alumni squads.  The baseball team amassed the highest level of support, collecting more than $12,500 from 108 individuals. The swimming and diving team gained nearly $9,000 from 48 supporters, while the women’s soccer team accumulated $7,400 from 14 donors.   

“The Athletic Day of Donors is an opportunity for alumni, friends and fans to give back to Wheaton and to support the future of athletics,” said Head Athletic Trainer Greg Steele P’17, ’19, ’23, in a video message. Steele is the father of three alumni and has served Wheaton for 35 years. “Your donation celebrates the place you called home, the place where you formed lasting friendships, the place where you felt a sense of belonging and the place where teammates always have your back.”

Athletic ambassador Bill Brady ’95 shared that participating in men’s soccer at Wheaton helped to shape him as a person and expressed a desire to pay it forward. “Perseverance, teamwork and responsibility are all valuable lessons that I learned through shared experiences,” he said. “Playing at Wheaton was a great privilege and I want to ensure that others can do the same now and in the future.”

In a recorded video, Gavin Viano, associate vice president for athletics and strategic programs, thanked donors for their contributions to Wheaton athletics and explained how previous donor support has benefited student-athletes and coaches in recent years. “Your generosity has helped us open a new strength and conditioning room, double the amount of full-time assistant coaches on our staff and to renovate the Haas Athletic Center,” he said. “Thank you.”

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