Jenn Beagan is proud of her players. As head coach of the University of Calgary Dinos women's field hockey team, she gets to witness their commitment to excelling in the classroom, thriving on the pitch and fundraising for the program.
For two dozen student-athletes, the demands add up.
"They essentially have three full-time jobs: as students, athletes and fundraisers," says Beagan, pointing out that players by handling concession shifts at the Saddledome, organizing tournaments and silent auctions, working casinos, and coaching youth teams find ways to fuel the program. "It's not conducive to our success to have everyone spread too thin. It is very much on the backs of our athletes to bring in fundraising dollars."
Adds team captain Nina Khalfan: "I think people would be surprised by how much we do, by how much we're involved. They would be surprised that we do all this ourselves."
While the collective effort is commendable, heroic even, Beagan wants to see the players' role reduced. However, since the program's operating budget and scholarship availability rely entirely on fundraising and student-athlete fees, support must come from somewhere.
Giving Day donations go twice as far with matching funds
Which is why the Dinos are embracing UCalgary Giving Day, running April 9 to 23 this year. The university's annual fundraising blitz gives donors the opportunity to have their gifts go twice as far, with all eligible gifts matched dollar for dollar up to $2,500 per gift, per fund, while matching funds last.
"The more we can use Giving Day, the more we can strive towards having less of a load on the players," says Tiana Carroll, BSc'23, a Dinos midfielder from 2019-2023 and a board member of the Dinos Women's Field Hockey Alumni Association. "We're trying to move away from player-heavy fundraising, so Giving Day is massive for us."
And it's working. By getting the word out through email campaigns and personal interactions, the Dinos receive significant contributions on Giving Day. Former players, more and more, are answering the call. Two years ago, the Dinos attracted 25 donors, including six alumni. Of last year's 39 donors, 25 were alumni.
The Dinos are determined to increase participation to 50 alumni.
"This has been a big project," says Beagan, who, by combing the archives, has identified 300 former players a significant community of potential donors. "We started building our Giving Day by reconnecting with our alumni, having them reconnect with each other, building a network of support and by reminding them, The team is here and we need your help.'"
That affinity, of course, is paramount. Empathetic, former players are familiar with the challenges of being a varsity athlete. "If we can create personal relationships with alumni, it'll get them more involved," says Khalfan. "It'll drive them to donate because they know where the funds are going."
Sparking support through social media
The team's social media strategy, featuring storytelling content and inspiring videos, will increase awareness about Giving Day. To generate even more interest this year, the Dinos brainstormed a series of fun incentives for reaching overall donation thresholds:
- $5,000 team jumps into the Bow River
- $15,000 players organize a community cleanup day
- $25,000 coaches wear the Rex mascot costume to practice
- $35,000 players run the half-marathon at the Calgary Marathon in May
- $45,000 team donates blood
Also, just for the messy fun of it, donors of more than $150 get to choose a Dinos player they'd like to see get a pie in the face.
Gifts go to a great cause, supporting the team and a sport that provides opportunity and inspiration for women and girls.
"Having a varsity team is key to a thriving field hockey community," says Carroll. "That's why so many of us are keen to support the program. Dinos athletes are integrated throughout the local league (of the Calgary Ladies Field Hockey Association), mentoring younger players, coaching in the community, and running tournaments and camps."
Seeing women compete and succeed at the varsity level reinforces what's possible for young athletes, helping more girls stay engaged, motivated and inspired to continue in the game.
That impact is a driving force behind UCalgary's commitment to equitable funding for female student awards and increased visibility of women's athletics. Currently, women student-athletes receive 40 per cent of athletics awards primarily because male teams have longer histories and larger alumni bases, and thus more fundraising power. The university aims to increase that to 45 per cent by the end of this season and 50 per cent by 2028.
The impact of community donations cannot be overstated. Without fundraising traction, the program's status is in jeopardy and, with it, field hockey's profile in Calgary.
A Dinos defender from 1993-1998, Marla Richardson, BSc'98, says the program is well worth championing to ensure the experience for future generations and to fortify the network of former players.
"We want many more women to have that opportunity," says Richardson, a longtime donor. "If you meet somebody who plays field hockey, you say, Who do you know?' because it's not a huge community. You probably know someone who knows someone. And we're more than happy to help out and provide connections so these players can pursue whatever they're interested in achieving."
UCalgary Giving Day is back! Make your gift April 9-23 and it could be matched for double the impact or more, with special incentives for faculty/staff, alumni and monthly donors but only while matching funds last, so be sure to give early. Whether you support research, student awards or another area that's meaningful to you, your gift will help change lives and shape the future.
