INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – For the second consecutive season, the Northern Michigan University Athletics department is proud to announce that the Wildcat community has reached its $10,000 fundraising goal for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping grant a wish for a child and their family. 

Only 16 NCAA Division II schools raised the necessary funds to host an on-campus Wish reveal. In total, Division II raised over $270,000 during the 2025-26 academic year to support Make-A-Wish, with $221,420 coming from Division II schools and conferences and $51,451 from the division's championships and enforcement fine allocation.  

Since 2003, the Division II membership has donated over $7 million to Make-A-Wish and helped grant over 700 wishes for children with critical illnesses.  

"As NCAA Division II student-athletes, we emphasize the life-in-the-balance philosophy among college academics, athletics and community outreach," said Rachel McCool, Ashland women's soccer student-athlete and current national chair for the division's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  

"It is fundamental to give back and to serve the communities that continue to support college athletics. As an official Division II partner, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has been an integral part of the development of student-athletes. We see the amazing impact that this foundation has on the families it serves. This serves as a reminder for our student-athletes that there is more to life than the games we play, and it is part of our mission to help make a positive change in our communities. I am excited to continue this partnership with Make-A-Wish and help raise money to support their impactful and moving mission."  

Fundraising efforts for the 2026-27 athletic season are underway. Fans can have the opportunity to donate at several home events throughout the year, including:

• Friday, October 30 - Volleyball vs. Grand Valley State (donation table)
• Saturday, November 14 - Football vs. Saginaw Valley State (donation table and Miracle Minute)
• Friday, December 4 - Hockey vs. Michigan Tech (Miracle Minute)
• More events to be determined for 2027

NMU Athletics is honored to continue its partnership with Make-A-Wish and will look to build on this success in future campaigns.

Help NMU Athletics reach its fundraising goal of $10,000 for the 2026-27 year by making an online donation here.