The crowd erupts at Thunderbird Stadium as the final whistle blows, confirming UBC Women’s Rugby as national champions once again. As the players sprint across the field to embrace their teammates, front-row forward Kiki Idowu can barely believe it.

“Winning nationals at home at our stadium was the biggest experience,” says the fourth-year student-athlete. “It’s something I’m going to hold dear forever.”

For the UBC Thunderbirds women’s rugby team, moments like these are the culmination of countless early mornings, demanding training sessions and years of unwavering commitment. Last season, they captured their second consecutive national title.

But behind every tackle, try and championship celebration is something less visible: a community of supporters helping student-athletes thrive.

“We absolutely know that we would not be in the position we’re in now as back-to-back champions without the support that we receive from all these amazing donors,” says Head Coach Dean Murten.

Last year, UBC Women’s Rugby finished as the second-highest fundraising team during Back the ’Birds—a 24-hour fundraising campaign that supports Thunderbird student-athletes and the programs they call home. That strong showing reflects the deep connection alumni, families and supporters feel toward the program. For Murten, that support represents much more than financial contributions.

“I generally think people see it going to a really good cause—and that good cause being towards the student-athlete experience,” he says.

For Idowu, that experience has shaped her university years in profound ways.

“The UBC Women’s Rugby team is special in so many different ways,” she says. “It’s definitely a mindset of working hard, grinding and keeping your head down until it’s time to shine. You can really see that in how we play and how we love each other. We’re all best friends, essentially. That’s why I love this team.”

Balancing elite athletics with academics is no small feat. Idowu is entering her final year in kinesiology while maintaining the demanding schedule of a national-level athlete.

Donor support helps make that balancing act possible.

“I know firsthand how expensive playing sports can be growing up as a multi-sport athlete,” she says. “Donor support has been immense in allowing me to show up on the field 100 per cent and focus on my studies … So, as always, very, very grateful for those who show up and donate to UBC programs.”

Murten sees those impacts every day.

“Life just costs a lot more than it used to,” he says. “Without their support, you’re limited on how far you can actually go. It costs a huge amount of money to have a development system. Sometimes we forget that all these things don’t happen without support of sponsors and donors.”

Yet, for both athlete and coach, the program’s impact extends well beyond the scoreboard.

“I’ve learned I’m a go-getter,” says Idowu. “I love to put my hand up for a challenge. I will never back down in the face of adversity. That’s something I’m going to carry with me for years to come.”

“I keep saying to them: ‘life is different than when I was growing up,’” says Murten. “It’s a credit to them … they have to get to the grind and they have to do the work.”

Through Back the ’Birds, donors are helping ensure future generations of Thunderbird rugby players have the opportunity to discover what they’re capable of—and a community that believes in them every step of the way.

“There are not enough words to say thank you,” says Idowu to donors. “Your support has been immeasurable!”