UM Football Alumni Collectively Raise $2 Million for Carol Soffer Football Indoor Practice Facility
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami Athletics announced Thursday that former Hurricanes football players have collectively raised $2 million dollars in support of the Carol Soffer Football Indoor Practice Facility.
The most recent commitment — a $100,000 gift from current Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen — helped the football alumni reach the $2 million mark, which includes head coach Mark Richt’s leadership gift of $1 million.
“Greg and Kara Olsen’s $100,000 gift just allowed us to reach our goal of $2 million from our football alumni,” Richt said. “I thank them both so much.”
Olsen played three years at Miami (2004-06) before the Chicago Bears selected him in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with the Bears before signing with the Panthers in 2011. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection, and in 2016 became the first tight end in league history to post three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
“The University of Miami holds a special place in my heart,” Olsen said. “My wife Kara and I met as freshmen at UM and have shared many great memories together over the years. We will always be supporters of both the school as well as the football team.
“Our goal is to contribute in making Miami a consistent force on a national level. We hope these facilities aid in our ability to attract top tier talent to the University and win championships.”
Olsen is one of more than 80 former players who have donated to the construction of the $34 million facility, which is scheduled to be completed in August of this year. The 81,800-square-foot facility will feature two field-turf fields and a football operations center that houses all of the coaches’ office space with views overlooking the indoor fields. In recognition of Olsen’s gift, one of the position coach’s offices will be named The Greg & Kara Olsen Assistant Football Coach’s Office.
“I’m overwhelmed by the love and support of our football alumni, as over 80 players donated a total of $2 million,” Richt said. “Our U Family is strong!”
For more information or to make a gift in support of the Carol Soffer Football Indoor Practice Facility, visit Give2IPF.com.
