School sports teams often rely on the generous support of dedicated fans, former players and alumni. At Saint Martin’s University, an anonymous $1.5 million gift was recently earmarked for the Saints Athletics baseball program. These funds will help with facility and field upgrades as well as other team needs, working to create what the school hopes will be the best baseball diamond in all of Olympia.
Don’t just watch the game on TV, bring the whole family and enjoy live play thanks to the hustle and prowess of the Saints baseball team. Fans, both long-time and new, are always welcome.
Saints baseball players and coaches honor a transformative financial gift
Theresa Hanson, the University’s Director of Athletics, calls the recent anonymous gift transformative. Hanson wants the donors to know that the team is grateful they share their vision for the future of Saint Martin’s baseball. “This is an historic $1.5 million gift that will launch the baseball facility renovation, with improvements that will significantly elevate the experience for our athletes and strengthen the long-term development of the program,” she adds.
The gift funds are specifically designated for renovation of the school’s baseball facilities, including field improvements and a new field house equipped with indoor batting cages.
In July 2025, Saint Martin’s welcomed new head baseball coach Jacob Garsez to the team. With inspired new leadership and improved facilities, the coming season is shaping up to be one to watch.
Community and alumni donations build Saint Martin’s Athletics’ legacy
Schools at every level benefit from outside gifts like these that can be earmarked for specific programs or, like The Fund for Saint Martin’s, generalized giving that can be applied to the greatest need.
“Donations like this are game changers for Saints Athletics and reflect the transformative power that philanthropy can have at the University,” Hanson says. “These upgrades will significantly enhance the competitive environment for our student-athletes while enriching the experience for our Saints fans.”
While donations of this size are rare, they create powerful momentum by energizing the program in ways both immediate and lasting. Hanson says this gift will have a tremendous impact on the success of the baseball team and strengthen Saints Athletics as a whole.
“This generous gift has launched Saints Athletics, not just our baseball program, into its next exciting chapter of growth and success,” shares Vice President of Marketing and Communications and Interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement Nate Peters. “We’re grateful for the investment by the donors to improve the student-athlete experience and baseball program at Saint Martin’s University.”
University President Bill Brownsberger echoes that sentiment. “This kind of support allows us to aim higher for our student-athletes, for our athletics programs and for the entire Saint Martin’s community,” he says. “It helps us create the kind of environment in which students can thrive, both in the classroom and in competition. Our athletics programs cultivate Benedictine values in our students every day and help them become the leaders of tomorrow.”
Come celebrate history and tradition with Saints Baseball
The National Baseball Hall of Fame says: “Looking back, time and time again, baseball has been there, through the good times and the bad, often bringing us together. Those moments transcend the action on the diamond. From the Civil War to Civil Rights and all points in between and beyond, the game of baseball reflects American life, from culture to economics and technological advances. It inspires movements, instills pride and even heals cities.”
The same holds true for Saints players. “Baseball is such an important part of Saint Martin’s legacy, reflecting decades of tradition, teamwork and the lifelong bonds formed through the program,” shares Hanson. “Saints Athletics as a whole enriches our campus by instilling core values, building tradition, uniting the community and fostering school spirit all while preparing student-athletes for life beyond the game.” To date, the school has produced six players who’ve gone on to play professionally and endless success stories in their individual chosen fields.
You can follow the Saints Baseball program online, including posted schedules, rosters, statistics, standings and more. The Saints Athletics homepage offers upcoming events, game videos, ticket purchase and links for team spirit wear. There are also opportunities to contribute to the Saints Athletic Excellence Fund.
For questions about giving to Saint Martin’s University overall, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 360.438.4366 or advancement@stmartin.edu. Their staff is always happy to answer questions. Then dust off your jersey, pack a picnic and head over to cheer for the home team, no matter which sport is your favorite. Saint Martin’s Athletics offer something for everyone: the die-hard fan, the armchair aficionado or the excited first-timer ready for an epic Saints season.
Published