EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.  -  SIUE Athletics has announced the total amount raised and winning programs from this year's Cougar Pride Challenge, a friendly, five-day competition between SIUE athletic teams.

Across all programs, 189 individual contributions amounted to $17,644 raised in support of the 250-plus student-athletes who proudly wear the Red & White of SIUE. As part of the Cougar Pride Challenge, the programs with the most individual gifts and highest amount raised each received a $1,000 bonus, while programs finishing with the second-most received a $500 bonus.

Tennis
SIUE tennis led the way, accumulating the second-highest revenue with $3,105 from a Department-best 78 individual gifts, garnering the program an additional $1,500.

"We want to thank all of Cougar Nation for their generous support in the Cougar Pride Challenge. The money raised goes directly to giving our team the best experience in preparing on and off the courts, as we get ready for the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. Each gift makes a huge impact on our program!" 
    -    SIUE tennis Head Coach Adam Albertsen

Women's Soccer
SIUE women's soccer ran away with the $1,000 bonus for highest amount raised, totaling $4,069 over the week-long campaign.

"Cougar Nation went all in for the Cougar Pride Challenge. These gifts will go towards elevating our use of the VX Sport performance data analysis system and will allow us to link it with our video system for real-time analytics. We now have the supplemental resources to invest in our team's development, well-being, and recovery that directly affects and improves our performance on the field every single day. We'd like to thank Chris Wright for making the opportunity possible for this initiative. And of course, everyone who jumped on board. This will absolutely make a difference in our student-athletes experience at SIUE."
    -    SIUE women's soccer Head Coach Derek Burton

Volleyball
SIUE volleyball saw 43 individual contributions, good for second-most across SIUE's 16 programs.

"We are so grateful for all the friends and family of Cougar Volleyball that gave to the Cougar Pride Challenge. The funds will go directly towards our preseason travel for this upcoming fall. There is one big trip we are excited about that will take extra funding. We will be excited to announce our schedule early in the summer!"
    -    SIUE volleyball Head Coach Kendall Paulus

Although the Challenge might be over, the need remains. SIUE student-athletes have remained steadfast in their commitment to becoming leaders in the classroom, champions in the community, and fearless in competition. Individuals can donate to SIUE Athletics and make a gift to the program of their choice online by clicking here.