16 schools get to host wish experiences because of fundraising success
Division II raised over $270,000 during the 2025-26 academic year to support Make-A-Wish, with $221,420 coming from Division II schools and conferences and $51,451 from the division’s championships and enforcement fine allocation.
Since 2003, the Division II membership has donated over $7 million to Make-A-Wish and helped grant over 700 wishes for children with critical illnesses.
“As NCAA Division II student-athletes, we emphasize the life-in-the-balance philosophy among college academics, athletics and community outreach,” said Rachel McCool, Ashland women’s soccer student-athlete and current national chair for the division’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
“It is fundamental to give back and to serve the communities that continue to support college athletics. As an official Division II partner, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has been an integral part of the development of student-athletes. We see the amazing impact that this foundation has on the families it serves. This serves as a reminder for our student-athletes that there is more to life than the games we play, and it is part of our mission to help make a positive change in our communities. I am excited to continue this partnership with Make-A-Wish and help raise money to support their impactful and moving mission.”
With $32,000 raised, Augustana (South Dakota) led all schools in fundraising for the second year in a row. Fairmont State and Gannon followed with $23,000 and $13,483, respectively.
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference paced all conferences, with its membership raising over $53,000. The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference was second with $44,636.
Schools earning wish experiences:
- Anderson (South Carolina).
- Augustana (South Dakota).
- Belmont Abbey.
- Edinboro.
- Fairmont State.
- Findlay.
- Gannon.
- Kentucky Wesleyan.
- Millersville.
- Minnesota State Mankato.
- Missouri Southern State.
- North Georgia.
- Northern Michigan.
- Walsh.
- Wayne State (Nebraska).
- West Chester.
Through its longstanding partnership with Make-A-Wish, Division II student-athletes, schools and conferences make an impact beyond competition by raising funds and creating meaningful experiences for children with critical illnesses. Since 2003, Division II has raised more than $7 million to help grant wishes across the country.
Learn more about the NCAA Division II Make-A-Wish partnership and how Division II members are helping create hope, strength and joy for wish kids and their families.
