Kendra Wecker Pledges $3 Million to Support Kansas Wildcats Women’s Basketball Program
MANHATTAN, KS – Former Kansas State Wildcats basketball star Kendra Wecker has pledged a historic $3 million donation to the university’s women’s basketball program. The commitment, announced earlier this week, marks one of the largest individual donations to women’s sports in the history of the program.
Wecker, widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of Kansas State women’s basketball, made the announcement during a special event celebrating her legacy and the continued success of the Wildcats. The $3 million gift will be used to fund scholarships, improve facilities, and support the development of the next generation of female athletes at K-State.
“I’m beyond excited to give back to the program that gave me so much,” Wecker said during the press conference. “Kansas State women’s basketball was a pivotal part of my life, and this donation is my way of ensuring that the next generation of athletes has the tools and opportunities to succeed. It’s an investment in the future of the program and in the incredible women who will wear the Wildcats jersey.”
Wecker, a two-time All-American and one of the program’s all-time leaders in points, rebounds, and assists, played for Kansas State from 2001 to 2005. Her remarkable career on the court helped elevate the program to national prominence, and she remains a beloved figure in Wildcats history.
The $3 million gift is part of a larger movement to increase funding and visibility for women’s sports, especially at the collegiate level. Wecker’s donation will also go toward enhancing training facilities, coaching staff, and expanding the reach of the program through community engagement and recruitment efforts.
Kansas State athletics director Gene Taylor expressed gratitude for Wecker’s generosity, calling it a “game-changer” for the women’s basketball program. “This gift will have a lasting impact on the program and provide our student-athletes with the best possible resources to excel both on and off the court,” Taylor said.
