Brown Women’s Wrestling Receives Historic $1M Gift…launches #Openthegates campaign
Historic investment positions Brown as a national leader in advancing women’s wrestling
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — August 5, 2025 — Brown University Women’s Wrestling has received transformational $1 million endowment gift from an anonymous donor — a historic moment for the program and the sport nationwide. The donation marks one of the first endowments of its kind in women’s collegiate wrestling, helping establish Brown as a leader in the sport’s next chapter.
The gift is part of the Open the Gates Campaign, a campaign launched to build a foundation of lasting resources and national opportunity — and to open the gates to women’s wrestling opportunities at Brown. The $1 million endowment ensures permanent, annual support for student-athlete development, training, travel, coaching, and academic resources.
“The Brown Wrestling alumni, support, and community is the best in the country - we’ve made history today. This is a monumental milestone for the entire women’s wrestling landscape at the collegiate level,” said Nick Lattanze, Coach of the Brown Women’s Wrestling team. “With this endowment, we’re able to offer a world class experience — world-class training, international & domestic competition, Ivy League academics, and a supportive environment for personal growth. It’s another example that Brown is serious about building championship-caliber programs for wrestling. The men’s program is building something truly special on their end, and I am thankful for their continued support in growing women’s wrestling here as well. I am excited for the future of wrestling at all levels here at Brown.”
The $1 million endowment will provide permanent, annual support for student-athlete development, coaching, travel, training, and academic support. Though Brown Women’s Wrestling currently operates as a club program, the endowment allows the team to operate at a level rivaling the top varsity teams. It will allow the team to train and compete at an elite level, attracting national and international talent. The endowment ensures a long-term foundation for the program’s growth and competitiveness, particularly in light of emerging national opportunities in the sport.
The gift comes at a pivotal time for women’s wrestling. In recent years, the sport has exploded in popularity, with more than 140 colleges now offering women’s wrestling and increasing support from USA Wrestling and the NCAA.
The program has already drawn top-tier athletes — including the #5 Overall Recruit in the class of 2025, Calli Gilchrist. With this endowment, Brown is among one of the few institutions in the nation to offer a permanently endowed support system dedicated for women’s wrestling.
“This gift doesn’t just expand opportunity — it redefines what’s possible for women’s wrestling,” said Cadence Lee, Executive Director of Brown Women’s Wrestling, former USA FILA National Champion. “It sends a powerful message to women everywhere: you belong here, and you can pursue the highest levels of sport and scholarship without compromise. That’s the heart of the Open the Gates campaign…creating access and building legacy.”
“This gift is an investment in equity, opportunity, and the future of the sport,” said Lattanze. “We are just getting started.”
This campaign looks to secure the future of our program and to build a place where women wrestlers can chase Olympic dreams while earning an Ivy League degree.
Inspired by Brown’s iconic Van Wickle Gates, the open the gates campaign is about unlocking new opportunities for women’s wrestling at top academic institutions.
At Brown, students walk through the Van Wickle Gates only twice — once to begin their journey… and once to graduate. Now, we’re asking you to help us open them once more — for the next generation of women wrestlers.
Over the course of this campaign, we’ll be seeking transformational gifts — but know this: every single contribution greatly impacts our athletes experience at Brown.
How To Give
Before you give, please contact nicholas_lattanze@brown.edu before any large donations or to learn more about corporate sponsorships.
Visit the Brown University Make a Gift Website
Select “Search for a Fund” and Search “Club Wrestling”. Then Select “Club Wrestling (Women’s)”
(OR “Select “Support Club and Intramural Sports” and then choose “Club Wrestling (Women’s).)
For large donations please contact: nicholas_lattanze@brown.edu
Check if your employer matches donations to maximize your impact.
Your donations are to a Tax-exempt, charitable, educational organization [IRS code sec 501 (C) (3)]
