‘Significant’ donation will revitalize Idaho State University women’s sports, AD says

POCATELLO — Idaho State University, thanks to a massive gift from promoters Donald and Candice Wykoff, plans to rejuvenate its already thriving women’s sports programs.

Athletic director Pauline Thiros told EastIdahoSports.com that ISU is fortunate to have supporters like the Wykoffs – who have done so much for Bengal’s student-athletes for years.

“We have a great relationship with Don and Candy,” Thiros said. “We spend a lot of time together because they love being around the student-athletes. Over the years, they haven’t missed many games. They are always there and present, and they love getting to know the children. …For Don and Candy, supporting our women’s teams was what was important to them.

The Wykoffs’ support and love extends beyond their attendance at the games, Thiros added. They regularly welcome athletes from Bengal to their home.

“They have hosted most of our women’s teams at their home for a meal – and almost every year,” she said.

After their years of support, the Wykoffs told Thiros this year they wanted to do “something special” and decided to donate to women’s athletics. And while they didn’t want the exact amount made public, Thiros said it was a “significant” amount — “six figures a year.”

Women’s basketball is just a few years removed from its NCAA Tournament berth and looking to return to this level this year; the volleyball team this year deserved its first playoff win since 2018 and tournament invitation since 2013; Led by freshman guard and All-Conference honorable mention honoree Trinity Hale, the soccer team hopes that will be the case. build a conference candidate; THE the softball team will open its new field this year with plans for a competitive season.

The cross country and track teams also have high hopes, as do the golf and tennis teams.

And now they will all get help.

The money donated by the Wykoffs, Thiros said, will go toward improving things like travel and nutrition for student-athletes. This will also help ISU host more games.

“We want to be able to have more home competitions because our women spend a lot of time on the road,” Thiros said, adding that busy schedules on the road make school more difficult… … “It’s also hard on you physically, emotionally, and it’s hard to win.

More home games mean opportunities for the community to show support and enjoy the teams in person. This will give boosters like Donald and Candice Wykoff more opportunities to see the teams they love and allow the student-athletes they support to show their own love in return.

“We’re trying to make people understand that they’re making a difference and that they’re having a great giving experience,” Thiros said. “We are truly very lucky to have such generous friends.”