Anonymous Donors Fully Endow UVA Lacrosse Scholarships

The University of Virginia secured seven-figure gifts to complete the funding for 12.6 lacrosse scholarships.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy

Anonymous Donors Fully Endow UVA Lacrosse Scholarships

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Anonymous donors have provided seven-figure gifts to the University of Virginia men's lacrosse program in Charlottesville. The contributions successfully close a funding gap that existed at the start of 2025.

Why it matters

The influx of capital ensures the long-term financial stability of the program and its scholarship offerings. These donations solidify resources for student-athletes following a period of identified budget shortfalls.

The university has raised nearly $14 million for scholarships since early 2025 to fully endow 12.6 team scholarships. The program maintains a history of success with seven total NCAA titles.

The players

Kevin Cassese

He serves as the current head coach of the University of Virginia men's lacrosse program.

Virginia Athletics Foundation

This organization works to raise funds and support for athletic programs at the University of Virginia.

Virginia Lacrosse Legacy Foundation

This entity provides targeted financial support and resources specifically for the university's lacrosse team.

The details

The Virginia Athletics Foundation and the Virginia Lacrosse Legacy Foundation collaborated to secure these donations. This effort directly addresses the funding needs of the program led by head coach Kevin Cassese.

UVA won an NCAA lacrosse title in 2019.
The program secured another NCAA title in 2021.
A funding gap for the program was identified at the start of 2025.
The team completed the 2025 season with a 10-7 record.
The donation announcement was published on October 28, 2026.

Market Landscape

The success of this fundraising campaign reflects a broader trend of private endowments stabilizing collegiate athletic programs. This positions the University of Virginia to maintain its competitive standing against other top-tier programs.

Local residents and supporters can expect the lacrosse program to remain fully funded for its scholarship commitments in upcoming seasons. This financial security allows the team to continue operations without the previous budget constraints.

The takeaway

Securing long-term scholarship funding helps athletic programs weather fluctuations in traditional revenue streams. Supporters of collegiate athletics often provide these large-scale gifts to ensure that high-performing teams maintain consistent operations.