THE FALL CHARGE: Elevating the Bison Student-Athlete Experience

Get ready to feel the thrill of The Fall Charge!

As the 2023-24 academic year is underway, we are embarking on a journey to highlight and elevate the Bucknell student-athlete experience in Lewisburg, Pa. Our Bison teams are fueled by passion, dedication, and the unwavering support of our incredible alumni, parents, and friends. Their generosity has created an environment where our student-athletes thrive, both on and off the field.

But we're not stopping there! We're calling on YOU to join us in this electrifying campaign. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact. It's about more than just wins and losses; it's about forging lifelong memories, building character, and empowering our students to excel in every facet of life.

Let's rally together and show our student-athletes that we stand beside them 24/7, ready to elevate their college experience to new heights. Your gift will make a difference, creating opportunities and ensuring that Bucknell remains a place where dreams come true. Be part of The Fall Charge, and let's make a lasting impact together!

Just like we count on every member of our Bison family during One Herd One Day, which is set for March 26, 2024, we need those who are able to help us raise the bar TODAY in support of the student-athlete experience at Bucknell.

To demonstrate what it means to be a Bison student-athlete, we asked a member of each team to pen a letter describing their Bucknell experience thus far. We hope you will take a moment to read these first-hand accounts of what makes Bison Athletics so special.

BASEBALL: Jacob Corson '24
"As I enter my senior year and look back on the past three years it’s amazing how much I’ve grown, both as a player and more importantly, as a person. Bucknell has given me the opportunity to meet my best friends and make countless unforgettable memories. Thanks to Bucknell’s exceptional staff, facilities, and resources, we have a great opportunity to succeed on the field as well as in the classroom." | READ FULL LETTER

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Jack Forrest '24
"The dual experience that Bucknell is able to provide, which is becoming increasingly rare in college athletics, is a direct result of the people who are able to contribute to the athletic department. Our basketball program has seen some impressive improvements in technology, facilities, and gear, all thanks to the generous support of our donors. These upgrades provide an environment conducive to daily improvement and ultimately playing championship-level basketball in the Patriot League come March." | READ FULL LETTER

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Caroline Dingler '24
"While each challenge has come and gone, the family I have made here has always remained consistent. Through basketball at Bucknell, I have learned the importance of finding the people who will push you to be your best self and constantly strive for more. More than that, I have found people who love and support me, which allows me to feel comfortable doing so, especially with my teammates." | READ FULL LETTER

FIELD HOCKEY: Mia Fields '24
"Success in academics is a large part of our program. I have been able to balance both challenges on the field as well as in the classroom with the constant help of my teammates and coaches. As a STEM major, Bucknell has also offered me a more well-rounded education than I could have ever asked for. While being a student-athlete takes a lot of work, I have enjoyed every second of pursuing all of my passions in the classroom while also pursuing my goals on the field." | READ FULL LETTER

FOOTBALL: Blake Leake '24
"When I first stepped on campus during my junior year of high school, I knew this was where I wanted to be. When I walked around campus, I fell in love with not only the beautiful campus but also the individuals who wanted to be the best in everything that they did. The amount of love and care shown at Bucknell was different from anywhere else I had been. The athletic department and the football team, in particular, created this positive experience." | READ FULL LETTER

MEN'S GOLF: Michael Rudnick '25
"It's hard for me to pinpoint one thing that I love about this university, but at the end of the day, it’s the people that make the place. The relationships I have formed here with my teammates and Coach helped shape me into the person I am today. Coming into my freshman year, I was really nervous about being 650 miles away from home, but Coach Binney and all of my teammates took me right in and I haven’t looked back since. While we are all a part of a golf team, it feels more like a family." | READ FULL LETTER

WOMEN'S GOLF: Tara Thomas '25
"The academics and athletics at Bucknell are worth every late-night study session or grueling tournament road trip. I am beyond proud to wear a Bucknell University uniform and represent the women’s golf team. Although I don’t want my time here to end, I’m looking forward to walking at graduation with a student-athlete sash around my neck. After every practice round, 36-hole one-day tournament, weather delay, early morning weightlifting session, and night at the range, I know I earned it." | READ FULL LETTER

MEN'S LACROSSE: Connor Davis '25
"Throughout my time at Bucknell, the one thing that stands out is the relationships I have formed with my teammates and my coaches. I can proudly say that I have 45 brothers and best friends who I get to spend time with every day. My coaches have become my extended family, and they have made my college experience more than special. Through the chaos of a Division I student-athlete's day-to-day life, I am so lucky to have my teammates and coaches to help me navigate these times." | READ FULL LETTER

WOMEN'S LACROSSE: Emily Baird '24
"One of the most remarkable aspects of our program is the connection we share with our alumni. The memories we've created with those who graduated before us are a testament to the enduring spirit of this program. The traditions they started serve as a reminder of the strong bonds that tie us all together. A few of my favorite traditions include Senior day, blue-orange teams, alumni days, pre-game sprints, and time spent together at class dinners. The alumni have not only left us with cherished memories but have also imparted valuable lessons that continue to guide us today." | READ FULL LETTER

WOMEN'S ROWING: Kona Glenn '25
"It is truly an honor to put on a Bucknell unisuit and represent the determined and powerful women of Bucknell Women’s Rowing. Being part of this team has given me a family of inspirational women and granted me many opportunities that would not have been possible without you." | READ FULL LETTER

MEN'S SOCCER: Matt Owusu '24
"I am more than proud to be a Bucknellian. Each day spent here is a gift and a privilege that I do not take lightly, and I hope that every student-athlete at this university continues to have positive experiences. I am grateful for everyone and anyone who has ever been a positive force in my four years. On behalf of my coaches, teammates, and Bison Athletics, thank you for your support. My experiences here would not have been possible without you." | READ FULL LETTER

WOMEN'S SOCCER: Brooke Tracey '24
"Even during the pandemic lull, alumni, parents, and friends provided unwavering support and made it possible to win back-to-back championships. Whether through annual donations, being dedicated alumni, or physically coming out to our games, you have shown through and through what epitomizes our Bison family." | READ FULL LETTER

SOFTBALL: Noelle Gardon '24
"Being from Colorado, I am often asked what brought me all this way to Bucknell, and well, my answer is simple. My parents always encouraged me to prioritize education, not let geography limit me, and to find a softball program that valued me as a person, not just a player. That is exactly what I did. I found all those things at Bucknell, which made my decision to come here easy. The transition to college can be difficult, but it was less daunting because I had a university and a team that welcomed me with open arms and support." | READ FULL LETTER

MEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING: John Gehrig '24
"Bucknell has blessed me with a team of motivated athletes who strive to not only be the best versions of themselves but also to bring out the best versions of each other. To be a part of such a wonderful team full of support and love can only truly be described as a family. I am unbelievably lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people each and every day." | READ FULL LETTER

WOMEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING: Kayla Lichtner '25
"As team captain this year, I strive to further strengthen our legacy by continuing to foster a team culture that supports a positive, inclusive, genuine, and spirited environment. With the incredible support and mentorship from our coaching staff, our program is driven by motivated women who strive to be the very best version of themselves." | READ FULL LETTER

MEN'S TENNIS: Brendan McDonald '26
"Bucknell has provided me with a community and a family that I will hold dear for the rest of my life. My challenges at Bucknell have been met with a deep sense of determination and growth. Each obstacle I've encountered on this journey has become an opportunity for me to learn and evolve as a tennis player and a person." | READ FULL LETTER

WOMEN'S TENNIS: Kate Novak '24
"When I first stepped on campus during my junior year of high school, I knew this was a special place. When I walk around campus, I can see friendly faces full of individuals who want the best for one another. The athletic department and the women’s tennis team, in particular, created this shared positive experience." | READ FULL LETTER

MEN'S TRACK & FIELD: Matt Perello '24
"We celebrate each other's successes with genuine enthusiasm and provide unwavering support during challenging times. It's this sense of unity and trust that makes every practice, competition, and moment spent together on and off the track feel like we are part of something much larger than ourselves - a family that inspires and empowers each member to reach their fullest potential." | READ FULL LETTER

WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY: Abby Paczewski '24
"As I enter my senior year here at Bucknell, I can reflect on the incredible journey I've undertaken since first stepping onto this campus as a 17-year-old girl. It's often said that when you find the college that really suits you, you'll have a profound sense of certainty, and looking back, I can confidently say that Bucknell is the place for me. The experiences, both on and off the course/track, have been truly transformative. I've grown not only as an athlete but as a student and an individual. Being a member of the cross country and track and field teams has provided me with a supportive family making this place truly feel like home." | READ FULL LETTER

VOLLEYBALL: Jen Sivak '25
"The volleyball team has been influential in shaping me as a person and leader. It has shown me the importance of working in a positive environment where we each work together for the achievement of a common goal. It is with this same mindset that I approach everyday problems that I am presented with. Importantly, we cannot do everything on our own. Rather, we find most success with the support of others, especially our community." | READ FULL LETTER

MEN'S WATER POLO: Matt Ryckman '25
"When people ask about my college experience, I tell them that I have changed more in the past two years than in my entire childhood. Don’t take it lightly when I say that Bucknell is life-changing. The faculty and coaches are what make this campus the most critical four years in adult development. They know when to push, training individuals to break through their self-imposed limits. They also know how to support, and effectively guide students to the state of equilibrium I so desired." | READ FULL LETTER

WOMEN'S WATER POLO: Bella Schraa '26
"Since a fairly young age, being a collegiate athlete was something I dreamed of achieving. Today, I have achieved that dream at Bucknell University where I have flourished and grown to my highest potential academically and athletically. Through the support of the Bucknell community, I have had the most amazing experience so far being a Division I student-athlete." | READ FULL LETTER

WRESTLING: Dorian Crosby '24
"While looking back at last season and remembering both the highs and the lows, we as a team have gained the experience and the driving force to push us to dominate in the upcoming season which will culminate with the 2024 EIWA Championships being held on our very own campus. Through the tough practices and the grueling dual season, we have gained a significant amount of confidence that will surely carry on for years to come." | READ FULL LETTER

CHEERLEADING: Ally Riuli '24
"Being part of this program has shown me how to navigate adversity and overcome each obstacle with grace. Our team has always made the best of whatever situation is thrown at us. During the 2021-2022 season, we had the opportunity to cheer at the Bucknell versus Army West Point football game. Although the weather was exactly the opposite of what anyone would have wanted - hail pouring down on us mid-game - we took control of our energy. We made the game the biggest party you could possibly imagine, and to this day, that is one of my favorite memories and growth opportunities with Bucknell Cheer." | READ FULL LETTER

MEN'S CREW: Andrew Viola '24
"This team has allowed me to flourish as a student-athlete and succeed on the water. I’ve grown as a rower, a person, and a leader over my time here, and I want to thank all of our alumni for that opportunity because it is your continued commitment and support to this program that allows us to succeed. I’m proud to call this team my family and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all the future members of BUMC." | READ FULL LETTER