Missouri receives top-10 donation ever to its athletic department. Here’s where it’ll go
The Missouri Tigers have announced a new donation that they say is among the largest ever to their athletic department.
On Tuesday morning, Missouri Athletics said it had received a “transformative donation” from longtime benefactor Audrey J. Walton. The exact amount of the gift was not disclosed in the Tigers’ news release, but it did note the donation will “fund significant enhancements to Mizzou’s Audrey J. Walton Track and Field and Soccer Stadium.”
The news release said the gift ranks among the 10 largest donations ever to Mizzou Athletics.
Specifically, the money will go toward a “complete renovation” of the outdoor track site, enabling Mizzou to host outdoor track and field competitions, and a new natural grass soccer field and subsurface.
“I’ve always believed in the power of college athletics to impact the next generation of Tigers — and I am especially proud to support programs that empower young women and men to compete and succeed,” Walton said in the release. “Building championship programs in the Southeastern Conference starts with a ‘Will to Win.’ I am honored to invest in that unwavering ‘Will to Win’ by supporting our track and field and women’s soccer programs so they can compete at the highest level in the SEC. I greatly look forward to seeing the project completed for the betterment of Mizzou Athletics.”
The release said details of the project’s timeline will be announced later. The gift is “expected to complete the project in full,” according to the athletic department.
“Mrs. Walton’s passion for Mizzou and her support of our student-athletes is truly remarkable,” MU athletic director Laird Veatch said. “I am incredibly grateful for the 25-year relationship I’ve had with Mrs. Walton and her family. She is one of the most genuine and caring people I have ever known. Her generosity has already left an indelible mark on our programs, and this gift ensures that future generations of Tigers will benefit from first-class facilities that bear her name.”
The Missouri soccer team went 5-10-2 last season, with a 5-4 home record. The Tigers are set to play rival Kansas as part of their spring season on March 9.
The indoor track and field season is in full swing, while the Tigers will shift to their outdoor slate in March.
Missouri Tigers coaches comment on donation
Mizzou’s news release also included comments from soccer coach Stefanie Golan and track and field coach Brett Halter.
“Mrs. Walton’s support means so much to our team and the young women who represent Mizzou on the soccer field,” Golan said. “This investment in our facilities will greatly enhance our team’s home-field experience and will have a lasting impact on our program’s ability to compete in the SEC.”
“Audrey Walton’s commitment to Mizzou track and field has been transformational over the years,” Halter said. “Her belief in our student-athletes fuels their drive to achieve greatness, both on and off the track. We are deeply grateful for her vision and leadership.”
This story was originally published January 29, 2025 at 11:53 AM with the headline "Missouri receives top-10 donation ever to its athletic department. Here’s where it’ll go."