Florida State University volleyball alum and former professional player Gabrielle Reece returned to FSU's campus this past weekend to promote a new fundraising initiative by Seminole Boosters Inc. to raise revenue for Seminole women's athletics.
According to an announcement on the FSU athletics website, the five-year initiative called Elevate Champions has established a goal of $75 million to provide financial support for facilities, athletic scholarships and Coaches Clubs, including women's lacrosse, which will begin play in 2025.
FSU Athletics and Seminole Boosters hosted several events over the weekend to kick off the initiative.
"We are excited to welcome Gabby back to campus this weekend and grateful for her support in getting this vital initiative off to a successful start," athletic director Michael Alford said. "Gabby is an iconic representative of FSU Athletics and has played an integral part in setting the standard of excellence that defines our women's programs."
In addition to her volleyball career, Reece has spent time as a sports commentator, fashion model, author and podcast host.
FSU competes in 11 women's intercollegiate sports, and the Seminoles are currently ranked No. 1 nationally in women's soccer with a 14-0-1 record, 18th in women's basketball, and indoor volleyball is tied for first place in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
"We are thrilled to announce Elevate Champions this weekend with the help of Gabrielle Reece," Seminole Boosters president and CEO Stephen Ponder said, according to Seminoles.com. "Our women's teams are consistently among the nation's best, competing for championships and graduating at an exceptional rate. Our Seminole Booster members share our vision for excellence across all sports and the goal of this initiative is to elevate our female student-athletes and women's teams even further."
Florida State is perennially ranked among the nation's best overall athletic programs, having finished in the Top 20 in the Learfield Directors' Cup in 15 of the last 16 seasons. The Seminoles have placed among the top 10 programs five times over that span.
