BISMARCK, ND – Amid a transformative Marauders Athletics Complex construction project already reshaping campus, the University of Mary is taking another major step in support of its intercollegiate athletics programs. UMary has committed to fully fund all 18 of its NCAA Division II athletic teams to the maximum scholarship limits allowed by the NCAA.

This unprecedented commitment places the University of Mary among a small group of NCAA Division II institutions nationwide that provide the full complement of athletic scholarships for every NCAA-sponsored sport on campus—offering increased opportunities for current and future Marauders scholar-athletes.

"Athletics brings a vitality to campus in which we all can share—from the star quarterback or All-American swimmer to a freshman nursing major far from home who is looking to cheer on a classmate and spend time with newly made friends," said University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea. "Sports provide the University of Mary an opportunity for connection with our community, while showcasing future engineers, business leaders, and educators.

"Our investment in athletics is not about simply competing at the highest level or winning today, but about developing servant leaders for tomorrow as we assist our scholar-athletes in becoming who they were created to be."

More than 470 Marauders scholar-athletes compete in NCAA Division II across 18 programs: baseball; men's and women's basketball; men's and women's cross country and track & field; football; men's and women's golf; women's soccer; softball; women's swimming & diving; women's tennis; women's volleyball; and men's wrestling.

UMary is a proud member of the 16-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and has finished in the top four of the NSIC All-Sports standings every year since 2021–22.

"The University of Mary's commitment to athletics—most recently through scholarships and facilities—is a forceful statement of belief in our Greatness Through Virtue strategic plan and the value we place on the scholar-athlete experience," said Marcus Wagner, director of intercollegiate athletics at UMary. "The university's stance is abundantly clear: We are here to build champions on and off the field, to create opportunities for young people to pursue their life's calling, and to help them embrace becoming who they were created to be.

"This commitment is yet another affirmation of that mission. It truly is a great day to be a Marauder."

In April, UMary broke ground on the Marauders Athletics Complex—a cornerstone of Phase II of the university's $272 million Vision 2030 Capital Campaign. The $45 million complex will be located primarily east of the current fieldhouse along Highway 1804 and will bring football, soccer, and outdoor track & field competition back to campus, along with a new home for Marauders softball.

The complex will also include the Research and Performance Center—featuring team spaces, strength and conditioning and sports medicine facilities, a center for sports nutrition, and academic space for students in the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, where future healthcare professionals will learn in a hands-on environment.

The facilities—including a new football stadium, multi-purpose sports dome, outdoor track, and the Research and Performance Center—are scheduled to open in time for the Fall 2027 athletic season.

"While we've already broken ground on our new facilities and made our commitment to funding athletics in an exceptional way, the real work is just beginning," Wagner added. "We continue to call on the support of all Marauders fans and alumni—near and far—to help us in our shared pursuit of greatness.

"With a steadfast commitment to enhancing the scholar-athlete experience, support from the Marauders Armada positions us well to continue providing scholarships for current and future scholar-athletes while unlocking new opportunities for programmatic excellence here at UMary."

To learn more about the Vision 2030 Capital Campaign and the Marauders Athletics Complex, visit www.GoUMary.com and www.UMary.edu. To join the Marauders Armada, visit www.MaraudersArmada.com.

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