In an effort to help keep Monmouth athletics competitive in this era of NIL college sports, Director of Athletics Jen Sansevero announced a new donation initiative, called the Hawk Excellence Fund, at an event in the campus’s Athletic Hall of Fame on Sept. 10.
According to the Monmouth Athletics website, the Hawk Excellence Fund was created to provide a wide range of support to student-athletes, helping them focus on academics, professional development, and athletic competition. The fund is designed to expand resources in areas such as academic assistance, revenue sharing, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), while also keeping Monmouth competitive in recruiting and retaining top talent.
“We’re talking about our student-athletes and their ability to maximize opportunities—to learn, to grow, and to prepare for life way beyond the competitive surface,” Sansevero said.
She also elaborated that discussions around NIL, revenue sharing, and the House Settlement are about more than numbers or contracts; they’re about giving student-athletes the support they need to succeed on and off the field.
As a result of the settlement regarding House vs. NCAA, colleges are allowed to pay Division I athletes directly, which has reshaped college athletics and inspired Monmouth to launch the Hawk Excellence Fund.
Kevin Callahan, head coach of Monmouth’s football team, emphasized that student-athletes and staff must fully embrace the evolving landscape of college athletics, including NIL and revenue sharing. “We have to buy into it, and if we want to be competitive…then we’ve got to be at the forefront of this new movement,” said Callahan.
He added the importance of preparing athletes not just for competition, but for growth, leadership, and mentorship within the team, noting that the seniors set the tone for younger players. He also said that, despite the differences in resources compared to larger programs, Monmouth athletes remain determined to compete.
While the fund clearly benefits student-athletes, some students on campus are wondering how the general student body will be affected. Kelly Sniffen, the Director of Public Relations for the Student Government Association (SGA), said, “The Hawk Excellence Fund will primarily benefit student-athletes…however, the broader Monmouth student body will see little direct impact.”
While the fund focuses on supporting athletes, that doesn’t mean the Monmouth community can’t be impacted. Dean Heidel, a Communication major, said, “I think it builds school spirit… if you see a great player on a poster near school, you’re like, oh yeah, they play here. They did a lot for the school, and it makes it a great time to go out to games. At the end of the day, sports are entertainment, and it’s fun to watch.”
Monmouth quarterback Dereck Robertson said, “I want to win a championship. I wasn’t really worried about the dollar sign in the end…I have one year left of college football, and I saw my best opportunity to do that here at Monmouth with the guys I’ve worked with for the last two years. I love every single one of them. We have a big future ahead.”
Monmouth starting guard Jack Collins agreed with Robertson when he said, “I’ve always been choosing Monmouth, not just because I live around here, not just because I’m from here, but there, it’s never been about the money for me. There have been hundreds of years of athletes before us, but nobody got paid in school, just ‘cause it starts now is not really a reason why I should change my values. I love all the guys here. I love coach, like no one even knows.”
Ella Farley, Monmouth starting forward, echoed Collins and Robertson’s statements when she said, “Monmouth has poured into me many more [benefits] than I can even count.
And this settlement didn’t change anything for me. I love Monmouth. I love my team, I love my staff.
I love Jen (Sansevero), I love everything about this school. Couldn’t be more thankful to be here.”
King Rice, Monmouth Men’s basketball Head Coach is excited about the new opportunity. He said, “This new world is exciting. Let’s jump out in front of it. Let’s jump out in front of it and go get it. All of us together. That’s the Hawk-way.”
