FLORENCE, Ala. (November 16, 2023) – North Alabama Athletics celebrated a second consecutive record year of fundraising and external revenue generation, exceeding more than $20.6 million during the 2023 fiscal year (FY23), which ran from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.
 
The year was highlighted by the naming of three athletic-related facilities or positions – CB&S Bank Arena, The Schmitz Family Head Men's Golf Coach position and the future Bank Independent Stadium.
 
"The importance of aligning athletics fundraising with institutional and community priorities cannot be overstated, and we enjoy incredible alignment at UNA," said Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney. "Giving has a direct impact on the current and future success of our programs and student-athletes. We are beyond grateful for the generosity of UNA supporters who have helped generate powerful momentum going into our second year as a full member of Division I."
 
This year's record-breaking effort was fueled by more than $19.6 million in cash and pledges, which topped the previous athletic department high of $9.7 million established in FY22. Philanthropic gifts were received from 676 unique donors, and the Lions Athletic Club enjoyed a three percent increase in annual giving.
 
UNA's external revenue generation also included more than $749,000 in corporate partnerships, representing a five percent increase from the previous high set in FY22. An additional $516,121 in ticket sales completed the FY23 revenue totals.
 
Gifts that were made this year impacted all areas of the athletic department and included construction of the Hilda B. Anderson Indoor Softball Facility; football, soccer and volleyball locker room renovations; athletic training room remodel; a beach volleyball scoreboard; UNA golf and tennis office renovations; a new area for the student-athlete academic success center; renovations to the Hal Self Field House; a state-of-the-art lighting system at the UNA Tennis Complex; a new cross country space within CB&S Bank Arena; and the rebranding of every athletic facility with new logos and branding.
 
"Alignment across all facets of campus has created a culture in which people want to be a part of the growth and excitement of this campus community, and specifically, North Alabama Athletics," said Director of Development Payton Haslam. "Dr. Looney set forth a great vision a couple of years ago in growing our external team, and for the second straight year, we are seeing the fruits of that vision come to life. It is rare to see an Athletics Department and Advancement operation work so closely together, and we are great benefactors of that healthy relationship across campus, spearheaded by Dr. Looney and VP (Kevin) Haslam.
 
"There is one thing that I am certain of — there are great people in this community, Northwest Alabama, and beyond, who deeply believe in the vision of UNA Athletics and have been incredibly generous with their support of our student-athletes. We continue to be amazed at the number of people who are passionate about UNA and want to see UNA Athletics be successful. To all of our incredible supporters: thank you for giving of your time, talent and treasure in support of UNA student-athletes."
 
An ongoing project for the University is Shine On, Gold — the $100M comprehensive campaign for The University of North Alabama. Bank Independent Stadium is one of the seven core priorities in this project. For more information and to learn about ways to give, visit una.edu/shineongold.
 
In total, the University raised more than $34.5 million in FY23. To read more about UNA's record-setting fundraising year, click here.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.