This week, nearly 80 Towson Tiger student-athletes will be graduating and moving on to their next chapter of life. The Tiger Athletic Fund is tremendously proud of these individuals and the way they represented the Black and Gold during their time at TU.

The mission of the Tiger Athletic Fund is to enhance the student-athlete experience, aiding in the goal of leaving Towson with a championship ring in one hand and a diploma in the other. This will ring true for many this week!

Ally Hickman, a four-year member of the Towson Softball team, and Charles Thompson, a five-year member of the Towson Men's Basketball team, are both wrapping up their time on campus and looking ahead to what is next, but also reflecting on their time as competing Tigers.

"As I reflect on my senior year, I feel nothing but pride towards my time spent at Towson," said Hickman. "I've made unforgettable memories with lifelong friends, all while becoming a strong, independent woman who feels confident to enter the professional world."

Thompson expressed that it was Coach Pat Skerry that truly made him feel like Towson was home, and for a sport like men's basketball, keeping a player like Charles for five years shows just how impactful the TU culture is to retain its student-athletes.

"I chose Towson because Coach Skerry made me truly feel like he wanted me here," shared Thompson. "He would text me everyday in high school to check up on me and that really stuck with me."

As a player, Thompson said that he had many awesome moments, but one that sticks out to him was when they won the regular CAA season title in TU Arena.

"It was wild because we had to resume a game that was already started earlier in the season and we came back from being down nine," reflected Thompson. "The fans stormed the court and it was just amazing to see."

Both Hickman and Thompson plan to continue working in athletics upon leaving Towson – Hickman starting a coaching career with The Baseball Warehouse, an organization that provides baseball and softball instruction to youth athletes, and Thompson beginning his professional basketball career playing overseas. Athletics gave them a lot and now they get to start giving back themselves.

"Thank you, Towson University, for helping me reach my goals, but most importantly, thank you donors for allowing me this opportunity," said Hickman. "Being a student-athlete is such a privilege that so few people get to experience, therefore I am forever grateful to be a Tiger."

"To everyone that supports TU Athletics, I'd like to personally thank them," said Thompson. "You have made my time here a wonderful experience and none of it could have been possible without your support. I hope that you continue to support Towson student-athletes in their athletic endeavors for a very long time, so the next generation of Tigers can have an enjoyable experience like myself."

If you are interested in making a contribution to Towson Athletics this fiscal year, please visit www.towson.edu/taf. With your investment today, you will have a role in helping our 80 student-athletes walk across the graduation stage this week and earn a degree. Thank you for your consideration!

Goh Tigers!