Athletic Development
Supporting YSU Student-Athletes
Supporting YSU Athletics is an investment in the student-athlete experience.
Philanthropic support provides our Penguins with opportunities to succeed in competition, in the classroom and beyond Youngstown State. Donors can support YSU Athletics broadly or direct their gift to the sport or program that means the most to them.
Whether through an annual gift to the Red & White Fund, participation in Penguin Day of Giving, support of a specific sport or a planned gift, every contribution helps strengthen the future of YSU Athletics.
Make a Gift Today
Direct your philanthropic impact directly to the specific program of your choice.
The Red & White Fund
Your generosity creates lasting impact for our student-athletes, their families, and the communities they represent. The Red & White Fund is a clear, powerful way for gifts to deliver transformative experiences for current and future student-athletes. The Red & White Fund is YSU Athletics’ dedicated philanthropic program that funds scholarships, nutrition, facilities, travel, and the complete Penguins experience. It is tax-deductible, not tied to seating and open to all supporters of YSU Athletics.
For larger gifts, contact Chas Allen in the YSU Athletics Development Office at ckallen@ysu.edu or (330) 941-3441.
Penguin Day of Giving
Save the Date: Oct. 13-14, 2026
We invite you to join the YSU community for the Penguin Day of Giving, providing matching opportunities and donor challenges designed to maximize the power of your gift. Every dollar donated will be leveraged to provide our student-athletes with the resources they need to compete at the highest level.
Student-Athlete Impact
When I think about my time at Youngstown State, I think about more than football. I think about the challenges that pushed me, the relationships that shaped me, and the support system that made it all possible.
Being a student-athlete here is a privilege. It’s demanding, but it builds discipline, character, and lifelong connections. What stands out most is the people—coaches, staff, and supporters—who invest in us every day.
There are also people you don’t always see—the alumni and supporters who continue to give back. As athletes, we benefit from that support in ways we may not fully realize at the time, but it plays a huge role in everything we’re able to do.
YSU has given me an opportunity that will impact the rest of my life. That’s why giving back matters—it’s about investing in the next group of student-athletes who come here with the same goals and dreams.
I’m proud to be part of something that lasts far beyond my time on campus. That’s what it means to be a Penguin.
When I reflect on my time at Youngstown State, what stands out most is the unwavering support, the opportunities we’re given, and the personal growth that comes with being a student-athlete.
Competing at the Division I level is a privilege that many aspire to but few experience. While the journey includes long days, challenges, and adversity, it is also incredibly rewarding. We are given the opportunity to represent something bigger than ourselves—to serve as role models for young athletes and to grow into the best versions of who we can become.
What I’ve learned is that this experience goes far beyond wins, awards, or records. It’s about the discipline, resilience, and character we build along the way—and the impact we have on others.
None of this would be possible without the people who support YSU Athletics. The investment made by alumni, donors, and fans creates opportunities not only for me, but for so many student-athletes to pursue their goals both on and off the field. I am deeply grateful for that support, and for the chance to be part of something so meaningful.
Upcoming Alumni Events
Stay tuned for sport-specific alumni events!
Alumni Connection
Alumni Facebook Groups
Athletic Development Staff
