Statement of Purpose
Varsity athletics at Whitman College play a critical role in encouraging creativity, character, and responsibility among student-athletes.
Along with Whitman's tradition of academic rigor, varsity athletics uniquely contribute to intellectual vitality, leadership, flexibility, and a determination to succeed in a diverse and changing world. To enhance and support the role of varsity athletics at Whitman, the purpose of the W Club is to:
Provide an effective and sustaining voice for varsity athletics to be an integral part of a liberal arts education at Whitman College. Support the expectation that achievement and excellence are fundamental to a Whitman education - both inside and outside the classroom. Engage students, alumni, parents, faculty, and Whitman College as a whole in a wide array of activities in support of Whitman varsity athletics. Provide financial support along with the college to help ensure that the overall excellence of Whitman is reflected in its varsity athletic programs.
Matching Academic & Athletic Success
Whitman College, one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, has long been known for excellence in academics. The W Club - a membership group comprised of alumni, parents, and friends of the college - is committed to helping Whitman's varsity athletic programs achieve the same level of excellence.
Making a Difference in Young Lives
The W Club is focused on making a difference in the lives of Whitman's student-athletes, working with the college to develop and maintain athletic programs that put our student-athletes on equal footing with their peers around the country.
The W Club enthusiastically supports the efforts of student-athletes as they successfully balance rigorous academic study with enthusiastic competition in intercollegiate athletics. By becoming a W Club member, you are contributing toward the belief that varsity athletics uniquely contributes to intellectual vitality, leadership, flexibility, and a determination to succeed in a diverse and changing world.
We invite you to join us in investing in Whitman's talented students-athletes.
Targeted Fundraising Efforts
The W Club is focused on making a difference in the lives of Whitman's student-athletes, working with the college to develop and maintain athletic programs that put our student-athletes on equal footing with their peers around the country. Over the past ten years we have been able to support the addition of assistance coaches for many teams, contribute to funding for prospective athletes to visit campus, and travel for international competition. This has led to countless individual and team national appearances.
The W Club also enthusiastically supports the efforts of student-athletes as they successfully balance rigorous academic study with enthusiastic competition in intercollegiate athletics. By becoming a W Club member, you are contributing toward the belief that varsity athletics uniquely contributes to intellectual vitality, leadership, flexibility, and a determination to succeed in a diverse and changing world. Our contributions will also support the success of our athletes when they return to practice and competition, helping to ensure they have the coaching staff, equipment and travel funds needed.
Each year the W Club moves forward with targeted fundraising initiatives aimed at helping our student-athletes achieve competitive excellence, both within the Northwest Conference and on the NCAA Division III regional and national stages. Although Whitman athletics are currently on hold due to COVID-19, we need to continue to show our support in anticipation to the return to practice and competition. Thus, the W Club board will continue to solicit additional support including:
- Assistant coaches: To support our highly talented coaching staff by adding an additional resource that will enhance the overall experience for the student-athletes.
- Recruit fly-In program: To ensure that outstanding student-athletes have the opportunity to visit the campus and experience the special environment offered by Whitman College.
- Competitive national travel: To provide exciting and inspiring experiences for our students and raise Whitman's visibility through competition against strategic NCAA Division III programs outside our region.
Join the W Club and invest in Whitman's talented students-athletes. Your support is needed to grow our membership and ability to achieve our fundraising efforts and continue to support the participation and success at national events.
Varsity Athletics at Whitman College
Approximately 20 percent of Whitman students compete on one of 17 varsity athletic teams (nine for women and eight for men).
Whitman is a charter member of the Northwest Conference and competes as part of NCAA Division III, which is founded on a philosophy that varsity athletics is a direct extension of the classroom.
From W Club President Christy Lindquist Krutulis '92
It is an honor to serve as the president of the W Club. As a Whitman alum and varsity tennis player, I am deeply committed to supporting Whitman athletes during their collegiate years, and after graduation. Living in Walla Walla provides me the privilege of easy access to cheering for our athletes when they compete at home. Whether you live near or far from Walla Walla, we hope you'll find opportunities to watch our athletes online or see them in person in your area. As the W Club enters its second decade of existence, I encourage you to join me and be part of an incredible group of supporters, committed to Whitman's athletics.
From the Athletic Director
Whitman Athletics is very pleased to partner with our alumni, parents, and friends as we pursue athletic excellence.
In the past five years our programs have risen to No. 2 in the NWC in points per team. In 2012, we had five teams represented at the NCAA National Championships and have been at every NWC post season. Our progress together has been truly remarkable.
I am very proud of our students as they excel in the classroom and in sport. On average, our student-athletes have essentially the same GPA and graduate at a higher rate than non-athletes at Whitman. I invite you to join in the effort. Together we can make a significant impact on our athletic programs and our beloved college.
