Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
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For more information on additional ways to make a gift toward the Cavalier Academic Achievement Fund, visit VirginiaAthleticsFoundation.com/how-to-make-a-gift or contact the Virginia Athletics Foundation at 434.982.5555 or vafweb@virginia.edu. To make a gift today, scan the QR code. ADDITIONAL WAYS TO MAKE A GIFT The Cavalier Academic Achievement Fund is designed to raise funds to support academic achievement awards, encouraging student-athletes to take full advantage of the academic experience at the University of Virginia. This opportunity is the latest addition to Virginia Athletics and the Virginia Athletics Foundation's ongoing commitment to support a nationally competitive program and invest in the student-athlete experience. As with funding scholarships, academic support, and a portion of the Olympic sports budgets, donor contributions will be needed to fund this $1.9 million investment annually. These awards are now available to student-athletes as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in NCAA v. Alston, which allows all institutions to reward student-athletes for academic achievement up to $5,980 annually. UVA student-athletes will be eligible to receive this award through participation in the Department of Athletics' Pathways program. This unique program will facilitate new growth opportunities across all areas of a holistic student-athlete experience, including career readiness and networking, leadership and personal development, and community engagement. Student-athletes will also have access to a variety of experiential opportunities and an extensive network of UVA alumni and friends who are engaged in the Pathways program. Additionally, coaches and staff will be able to offer an array of team-based workshops and service opportunities that are integrated with the Pathways program. — Women's Head Tennis Coach Sara O'Leary To be able to further recognize academic achievement through these awards will only enhance the devlopment of our student-athletes. From a recruiting standpoint, the landscape of college athletics is changing rapidly, and our competitors are offering Alston Awards to their student-athletes. For us to continue to compete at the highest level, including this additional support is vital for the future of UVA Athletics. Not only do these awards reinforce the University's focus on a well-rounded educational experience, but they are also an important aspect of the recruiting process. As a majority of Power Five institutions include these awards in addition to scholarship offers, UVA coaches will need to have the same ability to remain competitive in the recruiting process. MAKE AN IMPACT Student-athletes are now eligible to receive these awards, and full implementation of this effort across all sports will be dependent on fundraising success. Gifts to the Cavalier Academic Achievement Fund are encouraged to be in addition to regular commitments to the Annual Fund. They do not qualify donors to ticket and parking benefits but do count towards donor priority points.