Sun Devil student-athletes have Activated the Valley in their first year in the Big 12 Conference. With four conference titles, multiple Big 12 Coach of the Year honors and a top seed in the College Football Playoff, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a Sun Devil. That energy came to life last month during Sun Devil Athletics’ 2025 Back Your Devils Week campaign.

Held during the third week of March, Back Your Devils Week is Sun Devil Athletics’ largest annual fundraising campaign. Every dollar raised goes directly toward supporting Sun Devil student-athletes, training resources and the championship-caliber experience that sets ASU athletics apart from the competition. Supporters are also rewarded with exclusive perks. For the second straight year, donors who gave $100 or more to the 2025 campaign unlocked an exclusive, sport-specific hat from Branded Bills as a token of appreciation.

Sun Devil supporters across the Valley set a new high benchmark with the success of the 2025 campaign. The program’s initial goal of $250,000 was shattered, with more than 1,500 unique gifts coming together to raise an impressive $313,171. The total represents a 45% increase from 2024’s mark of $215,923, and was the catalyst to help reach the 10,000 and 11,000 donor mark for the first time in more than five years.

The Men’s Golf team raised the most of any sport, with 34 donors contributing $24,392 to the program. 

“I’m so thankful for our amazing donors who jumped in to support us for Back Your Devils Week,” said Men’s Golf Head Coach Matt Thurmond. “Many of those donors already give at other times of the year, but they still gave more. They help our team have the resources we need while also being near the top of this fun competition.”

“Very simply, without generous donor support, we would probably be an average program. But we are not an average program and we have the resources to compete at the highest level because of our donors,” Thurmond added. “They help us with food, travel, facilities, recruiting, equipment, tournaments and more, and they’re indispensable to our success. I’m so sincerely thankful to all those who generously give us what we need to be great."

Sun Devil Gymnastics paced the field with nearly 300 unique gifts, raising over $14,000 in support of the program. 

“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every donor and alum who contributed during Back Your Devils Week,” said Gymnastics Head Coach Jay Santos. “The fact that Gymnastics led all sports in donor participation is a testament to the incredible community supporting our program.”

“Donor support has been instrumental in elevating our program,” Santos added. “It has enabled us to invest in new equipment and attract top-tier talent. Looking ahead, continued support will be vital as we aim to compete at the highest levels nationally and provide our student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed on and off the mat.”

Alumni of Sun Devil Water Polo were the most dedicated letterwinner group, with 20 doing their part to pay it forward to their former team.

“We're so grateful to every one of our supporters who stepped up during Back Your Devils Week,” said Head Coach Petra Pardi. “Having so many former players give back made it especially meaningful. To lead all sports in Letterwinner gifts says everything about the pride our alumni have in this program. They’ve been in the pool, they've worn the maroon and gold, and they're still in our corner. That support creates a powerful sense of legacy for our current team to carry forward.”

Several non-team funds were highly successful as well. The Athletic Director’s Excellence Fund, which is allocated to the areas of greatest need, ranked seventh among all designations with over $14,000 raised. The Sun Devil Marching Band raised nearly $6,000, while the 942 Crew and Sun Devil Spirit Squad student groups both raised well over $1,000. 

The Wings of Gold Fund, which supports ASU’s annual female student-athlete banquet and awards show, also raised over $1,000.

Back Your Devils Week 2025 showed that the Sun Devil Spirit is stronger than ever. With your continued support, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible for our student-athletes and our community. Join the movement – help us create a championship legacy and truly Activate the Valley!

Visit sundevilclub.com to lead the path “Onward to Victory.”