Your support of the Ahearn Fund has a direct impact on the 444 Wildcat student-athletes and their coaches. Each has their own story to tell about how they expereince this impact, and AhearnFund.com will share them with you in this space each month:
What does it mean to you to be a student-athlete at K-State?
Becoming a rower at K-State meant having a chance at a college education I would have never before dreamt of.
How have you benefited from the support shown by K-State fans and members of the Ahearn Fund?
The Ahearn Fund has contributed to the world class student athlete experience that the rowing team gets closer to having each year. Without them, training would be impossible.
What did it mean to you to be a student-athlete at K-State? Growing up a life-long Kansas State fan I always envisioned myself playing in Bramlage, but I ended up being better on the track than on the court. The experiences I gained from four years on the track team are invaluable. I felt so proud to wear the Kansas State jersey at Big 12, NCAA, US Championships, and European meets. I didn't have a ball in my hand but it ended up being even better than I imagined growing up.
How did you benefit from the support shown by K-State fans and members of the Ahearn Fund?
My first year in Manhattan, K-State was re-doing the outdoor track complex and by my junior year we hosted the Big XII meet at a beautiful facility. With the addition of the building by the track and the ring of honor, the track looks incredible.
What does it mean to you to be a coach at K-State?
It has been a tremendous blessing and experience being the head women's basketball coach for the past 16 years. I have had the opportunity to coach tremendous players, work with some unbelievable staffs, and play in front of one of the best home crowds in America.
How has your program benefited from the grass-roots support shown by K-State fans and members of the Ahearn Fund?
Our fan support is deeply grounded in the grass-roots support of K-State fans and members of the Ahearn Fund. Five out of the last 10 seasons we have ranked in the top 15 nationally in attendance (and 8 out of the last 10 years in the top 25). Getting to compete night in and night out against the best teams in the country in front of our amazing, loyal fans is one of many things that makes K-State Women's Basketball one of the premiere programs in the country.
