UVA Lacrosse: Big-money donations finish off endowment of scholarships

Word was that former UVA Lacrosse coach Lars Tiffany balked at having to help raise money, which factored into the decision to cut bait with him with his contract being up for renewal this summer.

With Tiffany out, and his former top assistant Kevin Cassesse in the big chair, the money is flowing in now.

UVA Athletics announced today a run of new anonymous seven-figure commitments that, combined with previous gifts and matching funds, will fully endow the men’s lacrosse program’s 12.6 scholarships.

“This milestone belongs to the Virginia men’s lacrosse community. An extraordinary group of supporters recognized an opportunity to secure the program’s future and responded with remarkable generosity,” said Kevin Miller, the executive director of the Virginia Athletics Foundation. “We are grateful for their trust and committed to honoring their intent as these gifts are fulfilled. Together, they are building a lasting source of scholarship support that will benefit student-athletes for generations.”

Per the release, the program had secured $5.1 million in scholarship endowment support throughout the program’s history as of the beginning of 2025. In the last 20 months, alumni, families and friends of the program have made philanthropic commitments totaling to roughly $14 million, including matching funds.

This is a big deal for a program with a $2.7 million budget in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, and ran a $700,000 deficit.

“This is an extraordinary demonstration of generosity from a community deeply committed to Virginia Men’s Lacrosse,” Athletics Director Carla Williams said. “We are grateful to the anonymous donors and to every alumnus, family member, and friend whose support helped make this milestone possible. Together, their investment further strengthens a storied, championship program and ensures scholarship support for generations to come.”

One last celebratory quote here – from the new coach, Kevin Cassese.

“Our student-athletes have the opportunity to represent Virginia because generations of people have invested in this program and believed in the positive impact it can have on a young person’s life. We are deeply thankful to the donors and to everyone who has stepped forward in support of Virginia Men’s Lacrosse,” Cassese said. “The collaboration between the Virginia Athletics Foundation and the Virginia Lacrosse Legacy Foundation was critical in closing the scholarship endowment fundraising gap, which will help future Cavaliers pursue a world-class education, compete for championships, and experience the relationships and growth that make Virginia men’s lacrosse so special.”