**CONGRATS: Oklahoma Sooners Women’s Basketball Star Payton Verhulst Donates $3 Million to the Team**
**Norman, OK – March 10, 2025** – In a remarkable show of generosity and commitment to her team and the program, Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball star Payton Verhulst has pledged a generous donation of $3 million to the Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball team. The donation, which is among the largest in program history, was announced earlier today by Verhulst, who hails from Shawnee Mission, Kansas.
Verhulst, who has quickly become one of the standout players for the Sooners, shared the exciting news at a press conference, where she explained the motivation behind her substantial donation. “I’ve always felt so supported by this program, and I want to ensure future generations of Sooners have the same opportunities that I had,” Verhulst said. “This team, this university, and the community have given me so much, and I hope that my contribution will help take this program to the next level.”
The $3 million donation will go toward enhancing the facilities and resources available to the women’s basketball team, providing improved training equipment, expanding support staff, and even increasing scholarships for future players. Verhulst emphasized that a significant portion of the funds would be dedicated to ensuring that players have access to the best resources, both on and off the court, including academic support and mental health services.
Verhulst’s commitment to her team isn’t new—she has consistently demonstrated leadership both on and off the court. The sophomore guard has been a pivotal force in helping the Sooners achieve success in recent seasons, contributing significantly to the team’s on-court performances with her scoring ability, leadership, and work ethic.
In addition to the financial donation, Verhulst also announced that she would be partnering with head coach Jennie Baranczyk to create a mentorship program aimed at helping young athletes succeed in balancing academics, athletics, and life skills. “I want to give back to this team in every way possible, not just through money but also through mentorship and personal involvement,” she stated.
Coach Baranczyk expressed her gratitude for Verhulst’s generosity, calling it a game-changer for the program. “Payton’s donation speaks volumes about her character. She’s not only a tremendous athlete, but she’s also someone who genuinely cares about the well-being and future success of the program. Her leadership, both on and off the court, sets the standard for what it means to be a Sooner,” Baranczyk said.
Verhulst’s donation also holds special significance in the wider context of women’s sports. This generous act has sparked conversations about the increasing role of female athletes in philanthropy and the future of women’s sports in general. Many hope that Verhulst’s example will inspire others to contribute toward the growth of women’s athletics and create a lasting legacy of support for future athletes.
While the donation is a groundbreaking gesture in its own right, Verhulst’s commitment to the growth of her team doesn’t end there. In the coming months, she will be working closely with the university’s athletic department and donors to ensure that her contribution leads to sustainable improvements for the program.
The Sooners’ women’s basketball team has already established itself as a formidable force in collegiate athletics, and Verhulst’s promise to donate $3 million further solidifies the program’s bright future. With her help, the team is poised to reach new heights both on and off the court, continuing to inspire future generations of athletes.
Fans and fellow student-athletes have expressed overwhelming support for Verhulst’s decision, praising her as a true leader who exemplifies the spirit of giving back to the community. As the Sooners gear up for their next season, they can look forward to not only a strengthened team but also a promising future fueled by the generosity and vision of one of their brightest stars.
Verhulst’s donation is a reminder that leadership goes beyond performance—it’s about creating opportunities and setting a standard for others to follow. The Sooners women’s basketball team has a strong future ahead, thanks to Payton Verhulst’s remarkable generosity.