University of Puget Sound Announces Transformative Gift to Empower Women Athletes

The University of Puget Sound has received a $1 million gift from 1991 graduate Christi Offutt and the Offutt Family Foundation. This generous donation establishes the Offutt Family Foundation Endowed Fund for Women Athletes' success, with a focus on promoting wellness and leadership.

The Offutt Family Foundation Endowment will directly support the Elevate: Women's Athletics Wellness and Leadership Development Program. This comprehensive program recognizes the unique challenges faced by women in sports and offers support in critical areas like mental health, nutrition, injury prevention, and leadership development.

“This endowment is truly a game-changer," said Amy Hackett, athletic director. “It equips our female student-athletes with the vital resources they need to thrive both on the playing field and in life.”

Offutt, a former Puget Sound star soccer athlete, understands these challenges firsthand. With this commitment, the Offutt family aims to empower women athletes by addressing their mental and physical well-being, fostering self-confidence, and preparing them for success beyond their athletic careers. This initiative perfectly aligns with the university's mission of cultivating ethical leaders who can thrive in a dynamic world.

“As a former student-athlete, I understand the importance of holistic support in achieving success both on and off the field,” Offutt said. “My hope, and my family’s hope, is that this endowment will provide women athletes with the resources they need to excel in their sports, their studies, and their future careers.”

The Elevate program will offer a variety of resources including mental health counseling, nutrition counseling and education, resource support, and professional development for staff and students.

Offutt has a diverse and accomplished background. She serves as the Chair of R.D. Offutt Company, a family-owned international business, with a range of entities including agricultural equipment, farming operations, and food production.

Founded in 2008, the Offutt Family Foundation upholds the Offutt family’s values by helping build strong and vibrant communities. The foundation primarily focuses on community development projects and initiatives, education and enrichment opportunities, and healthcare programs. 

The University of Puget Sound is incredibly grateful for the generosity of Offutt and the Offutt Family Foundation. Their commitment will empower future generations of women athletes to achieve their full potential.