MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (Aug. 22, 2024) – West Virginia University graduates and supporters, the Hayhurst family, have amplified their commitment to West Virginia University Athletics by contributing a major gift of $2.5 million to the WVU women’s basketball program.
In recognition of their philanthropic leadership, the Hayhurst Family will be recognized as Gold Coat Circle members, the highest level of philanthropic giving in the Mountaineer Athletic Club.
An endowment of $2 million will go to naming the head women’s basketball coaching position in perpetuity. Additionally, a $500,000 gift will go to assist the women’s basketball team's greatest needs and day-to-day operations.
“What a tremendous honor for our women’s basketball program to have an endowment for its head coaching position. The coaching endowment, along with their additional gift, once again proves that the Hayhurst family’s loyalty and commitment to WVU Athletics are never-ending,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said. “Our department cannot thank Christy (Hayhurst Davis) and the Hayhurst family enough for their support, trust and loyalty over the years. This gift will be a major asset to the overall success of our women’s basketball program.”
"We are incredibly grateful to the Hayhurst family for the continued support and generous gift to the women's basketball program.” WVU women’s basketball coach Mark Kellogg said. "This will help us continue our push toward competing for Big 12 Conference and NCAA Championships. It will allow us to pursue new opportunities within our program and help us innovate our way forward in this college landscape as we build upon the traditions of the West Virginia women's basketball program."
Natives of West Virginia, who grew up in Buckhannon, the Hayhursts have been longtime supporters of West Virginia University and Mountaineer Athletics. The Hayhurst family is pleased to continue its long-term support of WVU Athletics and Academics with this gift. It will ensure continued support for coach Kellogg and his staff and players, in the classroom and on the court.
Siblings, Ronald, the late Robert, and the late Robin Hayhurst, were all first-generation college graduates at WVU. Ronald earned his degree in accounting, while Robert and Robin earned degrees in sport management. Their passion for WVU athletics and academics has been passed down to the next generation as Robert's daughter, Christy Hayhurst Davis and her husband James Davis (both graduates of the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources) and continuing on to their three daughters.
The entire Hayhurst family, now spanning three generations, has been avid supporters of West Virginia University and WVU Athletics.
"The WVU women’s basketball team, under the leadership of coach Kellogg, along with his coaches and staff, has done a tremendous job in attracting new and developing existing members of the team to ensure their success both athletically and academically,” Christy said. “Our family is happy to support them and the program into the future, as they continue to represent all West Virginians and develop the female leaders of tomorrow.”
The gift is the second endowment for a WVU head coaching position the Hayhurst family have made, gifting the rifle program $1 million in 2022.
“The Hayhurst family is deeply committed to making an impact in the Mountain State,” said B.J. Davisson, executive vice president and chief development officer of the WVU Foundation. “Their growing legacy of support touches virtually every aspect of WVU – from athletics to education to outreach to health care – to ensure state residents have every opportunity close to home. We appreciate their continued generosity and leadership to enrich the lives of West Virginians.”
The Hayhurst family's gift was made through the Mountaineer Athletic Club in conjunction with the WVU Foundation, of which Christy Hayhurst Davis is a board member. The WVU Foundation is a nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.
For more information on the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUWBB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
In recognition of their philanthropic leadership, the Hayhurst Family will be recognized as Gold Coat Circle members, the highest level of philanthropic giving in the Mountaineer Athletic Club.
An endowment of $2 million will go to naming the head women’s basketball coaching position in perpetuity. Additionally, a $500,000 gift will go to assist the women’s basketball team's greatest needs and day-to-day operations.
“What a tremendous honor for our women’s basketball program to have an endowment for its head coaching position. The coaching endowment, along with their additional gift, once again proves that the Hayhurst family’s loyalty and commitment to WVU Athletics are never-ending,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said. “Our department cannot thank Christy (Hayhurst Davis) and the Hayhurst family enough for their support, trust and loyalty over the years. This gift will be a major asset to the overall success of our women’s basketball program.”
"We are incredibly grateful to the Hayhurst family for the continued support and generous gift to the women's basketball program.” WVU women’s basketball coach Mark Kellogg said. "This will help us continue our push toward competing for Big 12 Conference and NCAA Championships. It will allow us to pursue new opportunities within our program and help us innovate our way forward in this college landscape as we build upon the traditions of the West Virginia women's basketball program."
Natives of West Virginia, who grew up in Buckhannon, the Hayhursts have been longtime supporters of West Virginia University and Mountaineer Athletics. The Hayhurst family is pleased to continue its long-term support of WVU Athletics and Academics with this gift. It will ensure continued support for coach Kellogg and his staff and players, in the classroom and on the court.
Siblings, Ronald, the late Robert, and the late Robin Hayhurst, were all first-generation college graduates at WVU. Ronald earned his degree in accounting, while Robert and Robin earned degrees in sport management. Their passion for WVU athletics and academics has been passed down to the next generation as Robert's daughter, Christy Hayhurst Davis and her husband James Davis (both graduates of the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources) and continuing on to their three daughters.
The entire Hayhurst family, now spanning three generations, has been avid supporters of West Virginia University and WVU Athletics.
"The WVU women’s basketball team, under the leadership of coach Kellogg, along with his coaches and staff, has done a tremendous job in attracting new and developing existing members of the team to ensure their success both athletically and academically,” Christy said. “Our family is happy to support them and the program into the future, as they continue to represent all West Virginians and develop the female leaders of tomorrow.”
The gift is the second endowment for a WVU head coaching position the Hayhurst family have made, gifting the rifle program $1 million in 2022.
“The Hayhurst family is deeply committed to making an impact in the Mountain State,” said B.J. Davisson, executive vice president and chief development officer of the WVU Foundation. “Their growing legacy of support touches virtually every aspect of WVU – from athletics to education to outreach to health care – to ensure state residents have every opportunity close to home. We appreciate their continued generosity and leadership to enrich the lives of West Virginians.”
The Hayhurst family's gift was made through the Mountaineer Athletic Club in conjunction with the WVU Foundation, of which Christy Hayhurst Davis is a board member. The WVU Foundation is a nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.
For more information on the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUWBB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
