KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Western Michigan University Athletics has announced over $2 million dollars in anonymous gifts from a group of alumni in support of the men's and women's soccer programs.  These gifts will fund two major facility enhancements with the installation of stadium lighting at the WMU Soccer Complex and new professional style sideline benches and shelters, and will also fund critical championship-level program support for both the men's and women's soccer programs.

"Our soccer programs have arrived on the national stage, with 9 Regular Season and/or Conference Championships and 6 NCAA post-season appearances over the past four seasons across the two programs, and two Sweet 16 berths for the men's program," said Dan Bartholomae, Vice President and Director of Athletics.

We are hopeful that these gifts will inspire more alums and supporters of our soccer programs to assist us in executing the long-term vision for soccer at WMU."  Their generosity – fueled by a shared commitment to winning nationally at the highest level – is a statement that our future is bright.  "We are so thankful for our alumni who have stepped up to make so many of our dreams a reality at the WMU Soccer Complex.

With permanent lighting in place, WMU will gain greater flexibility in scheduling matches throughout the season. Night games will help accommodate class schedules, travel logistics, and fan attendance, while allowing the Broncos to host Mid-American Conference and potential tournament postseason contests at more optimal times for student-athletes and fans alike.

The lighting installation and team benches are part of the broader Soccer Complex enhancement project outlined in WMU Athletics' comprehensive facility strategic plan. The full scope of the project includes new team benches, stadium lighting, an upgraded scoreboard, enhanced restroom facilities, and dedicated team locker rooms — all designed to elevate the student-athlete experience and position the Broncos to host premier events on campus.

Beyond competition, the project enhances the overall game-day atmosphere, creating a more dynamic environment and expanding opportunities for community events and campus engagement at the complex.

"As an alumnus of Western Michigan and someone who proudly wore the Brown and Gold, seeing this level of investment in our soccer programs means a great deal to me personally," said head men's soccer coach Chad Wiseman. "The addition of lights and continued enhancements to our complex elevate the experience for our student-athletes and allow us to showcase WMU Soccer in an incredible environment. We are extremely grateful to the alumni who believe in what we are building and continue to invest in the future of this program."

"This investment is a tremendous moment for our program and for women's soccer at Western Michigan," said head women's soccer coach Lewis Robinson. "The addition of lights enhances the overall student-athlete experience and creates new opportunities for our team to compete and connect with the campus and Kalamazoo community in an exciting environment. We are incredibly grateful to the alumni and donors whose generosity continues to move WMU Soccer forward."

While these gifts mark a significant milestone in fundraising efforts, WMU Athletics is now publicly continuing its fundraising campaign to secure the remaining resources needed to complete the full Soccer Complex enhancement — including a scoreboard, restrooms, and team locker rooms — as well as to support additional championship priorities. These investments include enhanced travel opportunities for competition and training, such as a European tour for the men's program and a competitive trip to Hawaii for the women's program, providing transformative experiences that extend beyond the field and further elevate both programs. Donors that contribute at least $25,000 to the effort will be recognized on a plaque at the WMU Soccer Complex.

To further support this effort, Bronco Athletic Fund Donors Randy and Wendi Verlin, have committed to match every gift from Men's Soccer alumni — up to $100,000. Every dollar contributed will be doubled, making this a powerful opportunity to directly impact WMU student-athletes.

For more information or to make a gift toward soccer priorities, please contact Matt Johnson at matthew.3.johnson@wmich.edu or (254) 644-1347.