Bison women's basketball launches crowdfunding campaign.
The Bisons women’s basketball team is looking to make a major move, and this time it’s happening off the court.
The team officially launched its crowdfunding campaign this week, a fundraising drive designed to bolster student-athlete support and help fund an international tour to Spain.
The campaign, which runs from April 15 to June 15, features a significant incentive for donors: a generous donor has pledged to match up the first $10,000 raised in the campaign, multiplying the impact of the campaign.
The funds raised through this campaign will strengthen the backbone of the student-athlete experience, covering academic scholarships, athletic awards and high-performance essentials like nutrition and specialized coaching.
This push for funding comes at a pivotal moment for women’s sports. Across the world, women’s sports are on the rise, however women’s sports still face a critical funding gap. The Women’s Sports Foundation highlights a persistent "opportunity gap," in women’s sports.
Direct investment is the primary engine for closing this gap; it doesn't just fund games, it builds the infrastructure—coaching, travel, and health support—that allows women to stay in the game and develop the leadership skills that serve them for a lifetime.
The program’s impact extends well beyond the final buzzer. With seven Canada West playoff appearances since 2017 and a record 11 Academic All-Canadians last season alone, the Bisons women's basketball team is focused on developing well-rounded leaders. This campaign is an investment in young women who will carry the lessons of discipline and teamwork into their future careers and the wider community.
"This gift helps us develop leaders grounded in teamwork, discipline and commitment," says Michele Sung, head coach of the Bisons women's basketball team. “We know from our alumni that these women will go on to make meaningful contributions on the court, in their careers and in our community. The financial support allows us to continue this legacy.”
The funds are destined for more than just standard operations. A major priority for the team is a scheduled trip to Spain in August 2026. For the Bisons, international pre-season play is a critical component of high-performance training, offering the roster a chance to build chemistry and test their skills against elite European competition.
For fifth year guard Samantha Onyebuchi, this trip is a rare opportunity to showcase Manitoba’s thriving basketball scene on a global stage.
“It means representing something bigger,” says Onyebuchi. “My team, my school and all the work we put in. It’s about pushing our limits and embracing our high standards.”
Beyond the travel, the campaign supports the daily realities of being a student-athlete. Donations will go toward scholarships, athletic awards, and essential "behind-the-scenes" costs like specialized nutrition, coaching support and equipment.
The Bisons are calling on alumni, fans, and community members to take advantage of this eight-week window to maximize their support. By meeting the $10,000 match, the community can ensure the program has the resources necessary for these athletes to reach their full potential.
Supporters can donate now to see their gift go twice as far, with charitable tax receipts issued immediately upon donation. The initiative aims to ensure that financial barriers don't stand in the way of the team's pursuit of excellence.
Supporters can donate online, and charitable tax receipts are issued at the time of the gift.
Creating space for everyone to thrive is more than a goal—it’s who we are. Fostering a vibrant community is among the commitments you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.
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