This month's donor spotlight is on Philip and Sierra Ebert. Thank you to the Ebert family for all you do for UWF Athletics!

Philip and Sierra Ebert are former student-athletes and proud alumni of UWF. Philip was a member of the 2011 National Championship Baseball team while receiving his B.A. in ESE/ELEM/ESOL, later continuing on to receive his Masters in Educational Leadership,  and a Specialist in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. Sierra was a two-time Gulf South Conference Champion on the UWF Volleyball team while receiving her B.A. in Psychology and later a Masters in Health Promotion with an emphasis in Worksite Wellness. The two are Varsity Club members and have been giving back to UWF Athletics for the past 10 years. They have a dog named Argo and a 10-month-old who has already been to several UWF Athletics events cheering on the Argos. We are grateful for Philip and Sierra and their support over the years! 
 

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Why do you give to UWF Athletics?

• Both Sierra and I were given the opportunity to compete, graduate, and win championships at UWF.  We developed lifelong friendships with our teammates and coaches.  With that comes a feeling of pride and responsibility to give back to the next generation of student-athletes trying to accomplish the same goals we worked so hard for when we played.  

Why do you continue to give annually?

• To give back to a department and team that gave so much to us when we played.  The path to success must be reciprocated... there were donors giving to help our teams succeed, and now it's our turn to continue that tradition. 

What impact do you think your annual donations have on the UWF Athletic Department?

• The donations help in a variety of ways.  In my (Philip) area of Student-Athlete Academic Services, donations have helped create a space for Student-Athletes to succeed in the classroom and provide Student-Athlete Development opportunities to help "Build Champions for Life".  Additionally, annual donations help provide comforts that other institutions may not be afforded, like hotel accommodations with one roommate, chartered buses with Wifi, top quality Nike apparel, two state-of-the-art weight rooms, and soon a new Sports Medicine facility.  

What is the importance of giving as a current student-athlete and a former student-athlete?

• Giving as a current student-athlete helps show that you're part of the "Argo Nation".  It's easier for us to know that when we give, we're giving alongside the team and that those contributions are going directly to help support the team's goal of winning a championship.  As a former student-athlete, we always look forward to UWF's Day of Giving.  The Athletics Development team does a great job of creating initiatives that motivate former student-athletes to give.  It creates an opportunity to reach out to former teammates and remind them of our great memories. 

What makes you passionate about UWF Athletics?

• Taking pride in helping mentor the new generation of Argos.  Sierra remains involved with the Alumni and the Volleyball Coaches do a great job making Alumni feel like they are still part of the team.  I take pride in not only seeing the Baseball team succeed but now watching the development of all our student-athletes work towards graduating and achieving their goals.  I (Philip) have a special place in my heart for UWF and Coach Jeffcoat because he gave me an opportunity to be part of this University and stuck with me when other coaches may not have. He's been a great mentor and friend. 

Anything else you'd like to add?

• I would challenge any former athlete who hasn't given back to their program to start with a small donation.  If the coach you played for isn't here anymore send an email to the new coach introducing yourself and letting them know about your time at UWF.  Engage with your team on Social Media, and comment with memories of your experience and the games you remember.  We all have our "favorite" moment and love to talk about the glory days!  Get involved and create new memories with your former teammates at a game this year.