William & Mary Athletics sets ambitious goals in strategic plan 'Tribe 2025'
William & Mary Athletics is setting the stage for a bold future in which all student-athletes can thrive in the classroom and in competition. In its new strategic plan “Tribe 2025,” the department outlines a clear path forward that will enable all of its sports programs to achieve a new level of excellence while helping to raise the university’s national prominence.
The plan represents a two-year collaborative process that included Athletics staff, coaches and student-athletes, as well as faculty, community members and university leadership. It will be presented to the public over Homecoming & Reunion Weekend during a Tribe Talks event on Friday, Oct. 18, at 2:30 p.m., in Zable Stadium’s Hospitality Suite.
“This isn’t just a strategic plan, it’s our future. It’s the future for William & Mary Athletics,” said Director of William & Mary Athletics Samantha K. Huge. “Athletics is an integral part of the educational experience at the university and that is reflected in every single detail in our plan. If we are successful in meeting all of our goals, we will invigorate our community, elevate William & Mary’s national standing and fully realize the power of our ampersand by becoming a beacon of excellence in both academics and athletics.”
The 23-page plan identifies overall goals for the program and also hones our focus on six key areas for William & Mary Athletics: academic excellence, competitive success, financial stability, fulfilling student-athlete experience, uncompromising ethics and excellent facilities. As the strategic plan is implemented, clear metrics for success track progress and ensure that athletics staff remain focused on priorities. The metrics will also ensure that resources are aligned with the priorities so that athletics can meet its ambitious goals by 2025.
Some of the objectives in the plan include maintaining the highest graduation rate in the NCAA, improving student-athlete support, developing a nationally-recognized sports performance analytics program, meeting high standards for gender equity, revitalizing sports facilities and expanding philanthropic support.
“This strategic plan reflects William & Mary’s commitment to advancing excellence throughout the entire institution,” said President Katherine A. Rowe. “It sets an ambitious vision for Athletics to provide the very best experiences for our students. Student-athletes will develop the capacities for leadership, risk-taking, team-work, and resilience – learned through striving together. We are excited to see what the next five years will bring.”
The plan outlines concrete steps that can be taken for W&M Athletics to break into the top 100 in the Directors’ Cup and to win at least 35 CAA championships, including five championships in the community-building sports of football and men’s and women’s basketball.
“We are at a pivotal moment in which we must decide what future we want for William & Mary Athletics,” Huge added. “It will take our entire William & Mary community rallying together for us to boldly pursue excellence in everything we do. We’ve enthusiastically started to implement the plan.”
Already, W&M Athletics has enhanced the game-day experience, bolstered diversity and inclusion efforts and strengthened communications to provide greater transparency in all of its sports programs. The department has also become a leader in the NCAA by developing a high-performance program that includes strength and conditioning, injury prevention, athletics training, performance analytics and sports psychology.
In addition, W&M Athletics has hired senior-level staff in fundraising and marketing to generate needed financial resources to sustain a championship-caliber Division I athletics program, while promoting William & Mary locally, regionally and nationally.
On the horizon, this fall W&M Athletics will unveil the new Tribe Field Hockey Center, including a new locker room, rooftop patio and meeting space, as well as expanded streaming and multimedia capabilities.
“In Tribe 2025, William & Mary Athletics envisions a vibrant future for our students and for William & Mary,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler ’88, Ph.D. ’06. “The plan reflects a whole-institution mindset, and I value especially its clear focus on our students — on their academic success, their athletic success, their development as leaders, and their personal health and well-being. Tribe 2025 places our students in the center, and it invites every member of the William & Mary community to participate. Go Tribe!”
Realizing that the possibilities are endless but resources are not, William & Mary Athletics will continue to focus its efforts on elevating its fundraising and marketing endeavors. For more information on the strategic plan and ways to support athletics, please visit the website.
