Written by: Kamara White
The Saint Martin’s University Baseball Program received an anonymous donation of $1.5 million on February 11th, 2025. The general allocation of the funds will go towards the renovation of the SMU Baseball facilities and equipment. This donation is the largest donation that has ever been gifted to Saints Martin’s University Athletics by an individual and will be a great benefit to all current and future players in Saints Baseball.
The renovation project will begin with furnishing the competition field and the batting cages. These changes along with other new additions to the baseball structures aim to elevate the overall experience for both athletes and fans, creating a more competitive environment that will assist in the recruitment and retention of top-tier talent. The renovation project will also help to solidify the Saints Baseball program’s place as a beloved local team within the greater Lacey community.
According to the SMU Athletics site, it was commented that “This generous gift underscores the unwavering support of our community for the vision and mission of Saint Martin’s,” said Dr. Bill Brownsberger, president of Saint Martin’s University. “By investing in our baseball program, this donor is helping us provide a first-class athletic experience that aligns with our Catholic Benedictine values and creates opportunities for our student-athletes to thrive both on and off the field.”
Theresa Hanson, the new Athletic Director, referred to the donation as a “game-changer” for Saint Martin’s Athletics. Hansen went on to say,“This donation reflects the transformative power of philanthropy. These upgrades will not only enhance the competitive environment for our student-athletes but also enrich the experience for Saints fans. We are incredibly grateful for this visionary support.”
Head baseball coach, Joey Swanson, has lots of excitement towards what this grant can do for the future and longevity of the baseball program. Swanson shared that “… These improvements will not only elevate our training and game-day facilities but will also demonstrate our commitment to the success of our current and future players. Swanson extends the gratitude felt within the SMU Athletics Community, sharing that “… We are deeply thankful for this extraordinary gift.”
Because of this generous donation, the baseball program will continue to grow and attract even more attention with recruits and other important factors that build a collegiate team. These renovations will add value to the SMU campus, to SMU Athletics, and the overall student-athlete experience.
As stated on the SMU website– For more information or to make a gift, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at advancement@stmartin.edu or 360-438-4366.
The Belltower 