MARSHALL, Minn. – The 2025-26 academic year is wrapping up and with that the Southwest Minnesota State University Athletics Department would like to thank the incredible support from so many individuals and businesses through philanthropy, tickets sales, suite rental and corporate partnerships. It was a tremendous year for SMSU Athletics not only on the field of competition but off as well, as Mustang student-athletes set records in the classroom.
 
"Our alumni, donors, fans, campus, and community all have stepped up to enhance the student-athlete experience," said Travis Whipple, SMSU's Vice President of Athletics. "Every gift matters and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity of all involved. The support and momentum make this an exciting time to be a Mustang!"
 
SMSU student-athletes closed the academic year with a program record cumulative GPA of 3.35, with 228 individuals achieving a GPA of 3.2 or higher. SMSU student-athletes were also active in the community racking up more than 2,000 hours of community service.
 
SMSU Athletics had revenue growth in several impactful areas, which includes a five percent increase through its Corporate Partnership program. The annual 'M4L Day' in April saw a 56 percent increase, the annual Gold Rush Raffle in February raised an event record $105,000, while the membership-driven Mustang Club saw a 10 percent increase in revenue. These numbers don't include the incredible fundraising work that many of our Mustang teams conduct during the year which raise important dollars for our teams to compete.
 
SMSU fans continue to show their unwavering support with outstanding attendance during the fall and winter season. The SMSU volleyball program led the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in average attendance and ranked fourth in Division II, while the SMSU women's and men's basketball teams ranked among the Top 30 in Division II in total attendance. SMSU was also a proud host of the NCAA Super Region V wrestling championship held in February.  
 
"I'm incredibly proud of our coaches and staff for their commitment to our external goals," Whipple said. "This has been a complete team effort. I also want to thank the SMSU Foundation for being such an outstanding partner in this important work."
 
All the revenue increases seen through the various areas can be attributed to several factors, including outstanding attendance, which helps to increase the value of and interest in partnering with SMSU Athletics.
 
SMSU Athletics, including its coaches and student-athletes, have built impactful relationships with local businesses that see the growth and possibility of where the Mustang Athletics can attain. Each relationship is mutually beneficial, as when SMSU Athletics grows, so do its corporate partners, and vice versa.
 
To become a corporate partner, contact SMSU Associate Athletic Director for External Relations, Devin Gorter at 507-537-6453 or devin.gorter@smsu.edu.