CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard Athletics is pleased to announce the creation of the new Community Through Sports Fund, a two-part gift that will provide both endowed and immediate-use support to strengthen and expand the University's vibrant club sports program.

Donors Stephanie '87 and John MBA '94 Connaughton were inspired by John D. Nichols '53 Family Director of Athletics Erin McDermott's vision for Harvard Athletics and her commitment to enhancing the student experience while building community across campus and beyond.

"We are profoundly grateful to Stephanie and John Connaughton for their transformative gift," McDermott said. "This fund will directly address critically important needs, helping ensure our vibrant club sports community is sustained and strengthened for generations of students to come."

During the 2025-26 academic year, approximately 1,755 students participated across Harvard's 50 club sports teams. Organized and led by Harvard students, club sports provide opportunities for instruction, recreation, and competition while fostering leadership, friendship, and a strong sense of community across the University.

"When I joined the Men's Soccer Club at Harvard, I didn't realize I was becoming part of one of the most supportive and fulfilling communities on campus," said John Phillips '26, club treasurer. "Competing alongside teammates from across the University has given me lifelong friendships and memories, while allowing me to continue pursuing the sport I love."

The Community Through Sports Fund is designed to help more students find their place through sport—whether by continuing a lifelong passion or discovering a new one. By expanding access, reducing financial barriers, and investing in coaching, equipment, travel, competition, leadership development, and community-building activities, the fund will create more opportunities for friendship, personal growth, leadership, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team.

"Sports have a unique way of bringing people together," said Stephanie Connaughton. "When I look back on my own Harvard experience, it's not the scores or results that stand out most—it's the friendships, the sense of community, and the lessons that came from being part of a team. Our hope is that the Community Through Sports Fund helps more students have those same experiences and strengthens the connections that make Harvard such a special place."

As they developed the fund, the Connaughtons met with several club sports student leaders to better understand their experiences and the opportunities and challenges facing their organizations. Those conversations helped shape the priorities of the gift. One of those students was Sylvie Wurmser '27, president of the Harvard Women's Soccer Club.

"I was thrilled to speak with Stephanie and connect over the ways alumni support strengthens the club sports community," Wurmser said. "This donation will transform the ways club teams can create new and lasting memories through competition, travel, equipment, social events, and other shared experiences. It also sends a powerful message that club sports are a vital part of the Harvard Athletics community, and we are immensely grateful."