Sycamore Family,

Happy Homecoming Week! We are thrilled to welcome alumni, donors, fans, and friends to Indiana State University and the Terre Haute community. It's hard to believe it's already October, and our fall sports are in full swing.

Volleyball is off to a fast start, already surpassing last season's win total and recording their most wins since 2021. They just wrapped up their second weekend of conference play, and we're excited to welcome them back to campus next Tuesday, October 14, as they take on Evansville in the ISU Arena. Match time is 6:00 p.m.

Soccer has just three home games remaining, including one this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. Admission is free, so bring the family out to cap off the Homecoming festivities. The team is currently ranked 4th in the Missouri Valley Conference, with five conference games left to play.

Cross Country continues to have a strong season looking ahead to this season's Missouri Valley Championships. The women's program continued to gain recognition sitting 12th in the Great Lakes Region, while the men's team has recorded three Top 10 finishes on the season, including a 7th-place result this past weekend at the Joe Piane Invitational.

We're all looking forward to the Homecoming football game this Saturday, our first home game in over a month. It's shaping up to be a beautiful day, beginning with the Homecoming Parade in downtown Terre Haute and leading into the 1:00 p.m. kickoff at Memorial Stadium. Tailgate lots open at sunrise, and we are excited to welcome a large crowd to cheer our Sycamores onto victory! Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid lines on game day!

There's a lot of positive momentum across campus and within our athletics department. The Blackwell Bullpen at Bob Warn Field is nearing completion, and we look forward to showcasing the space during the upcoming baseball season. More details will be shared soon about how fans and supporters can reserve the Blackwell Bullpen for select home games.

We're also finalizing our Athletics Facility Master Plan in collaboration with Indianapolis based firm RATIO. This plan is focused on enhancing the student-athlete experience and identifying new opportunities to generate revenue for our department. Later this fall, we will share our facility priorities. Both President Godard and I are excited to bring new energy to campus through improved branding and facility enhancements, made possible by the generous support of our donors.

The Investor Society continues to grow, now with over 60 members. Membership begins at $25,000 and can be pledged over a period of up to five years. Your philanthropic support directly benefits the mission of Indiana State Athletics. Investor Society members receive special recognition and exclusive experiences that create a deeper connection with Sycamore Athletics.

As announced this past July, Indiana State Athletics and the Division of University Advancement transitioned the Crossroad of Champions initiative into the Indiana State University Foundation. This change means all gifts are now tax-deductible and can be designated to the program of your choice.

Finally, mark your calendars for Sycamore Hoops Fest presented by RJL Solutions on November 6, just before the men's basketball home opener. The event will take place from 4:30–6:30 p.m. in the parking lot adjacent to The Terminal. Enjoy live music by the Big Fun Band, door prizes, and a family-friendly atmosphere. There's still time to secure your season tickets for both women's and men's basketball!

Thank you for your continued support of Sycamore student-athletes and programs. It will take all of us working together to elevate our great university, athletics program, and community.

Thanks again, and GO SYCAMORES!



Nathan Christensen
Director of Athletics
Indiana State University