Columbus, Ga. – Columbus State University’s “girls In The Game” initiative has surpassed $1.3 million in total giving, providing crucial scholarship support for female student-athletes. The milestone, reached during recent festivities, marks a decade of dedicated fundraising through the CSU Foundation.
the program establishes endowments with gifts of at least $25,000, supporting scholarships, student programs, academic initiatives, and faculty endeavors. Donors can contribute through one-time gifts, multi-year pledges, or planned gifts including real estate, stocks, or estate provisions. The original gift principal is invested, with only the investment income used to fund the endowment’s purpose, ensuring perpetual support for future generations of student-athletes.
This year’s “Girls In The Game” events included a reception honoring Named Endowed Scholarship recipients and their donors, and a luncheon featuring three-time Olympic medalist DeeDee Trotter as the keynote speaker for the Class of 2025 Girls In The Game medalists. Trotter also led a track and field agility clinic at the university’s Walden Soccer Complex.
“Our female student-athletes excel in the classroom, in competition, and as leaders shaping the future,” said Athletics Director Justin Hay. “This commitment not only strengthens opportunities for women but also builds on the proud tradition of CSU Athletics and the continued success of the department as a whole.”
The 2025 Girls In The Game planning committee included Lauren Brown, JoAnne Cogle, Tanika Colvin, Kristin Culpepper, Janet Davis, Jimbo Davis, Hailey Franklin, Sheryl Green, sandy Harris, Justin Hay, Jennifer Joyner, Sandy Lewack, Xavier Matthews, anthony mcwilliams, Merri Sherman, Linda Shinkle, Gena Stone, Ginger Surprise, Catherine Trotter, Mellanie Vinyard, Sally Walden, Dorenda Weaver, Cortney Wilson and Liz Wolverton.
Columbus State Athletics also recognizes Hughston Clinic as the presenting luncheon sponsor, and Coca-Cola United and John & elizabeth Walden for sponsoring the “Train with an Olympian” agility clinic.
Media contact: Brian Evans, Assistant Sports Information and Media Relations Specialist, Department of Athletics, 706-580-3654 (cell), evans_brian@columbusstate.edu.
