Spider Athletic Fund Spotlight - Maggie Millhiser
12/8/2021
What inspires you to give to the Spider Athletic Fund?
As a member of a non-revenue generating sport, I always appreciated how much the SAF supported me and my teammates throughout the years. We needed multiple swimsuits, warmups, and gear each year, and we couldn’t have built the swimming and diving team into what it is today without that support. I also saw how participating in athletics, for both my teammates and other athletes, gave individuals the chance at a top tier education that they might not have had access to otherwise. It’s important to me to continue the tradition of donating as my way of paying back those who did so before me. Also, I know from experience how hard the student-athletes work, both at school and in their sport, and I want to do my part to make it as easy as possible for them to succeed.
What is your favorite Spider Athletics moment?
Without a doubt, it would have to be winning four back-to-back A10 championships in FREEZING Buffalo, NY with my teammates (2004-2007). As a (in my opinion) very average diver, I had the privilege of riding the coattails of some phenomenal swimmers (there may even be one or two records left from our era) and getting to be part of the A10 winning streak was so much fun. After each conference win, we all (including the coaches in their ties and dress clothes) would jump into the pool one last time to celebrate that year’s accomplishment. I can still remember so much from each conference meet – from the music we listened to nonstop to the shirts we had made for each meet.
Oh, and also, men’s basketball beating Kansas on the road my freshman year. I still remember watching it with my roommate (golfer, Lauren Brown) and waking up to some of the greens on campus toilet papered. Good times and memories for the students, less so for the UR facilities and grounds crew, I’m sure!
If you could have dinner with one Spider student-athlete or coach from the past or present who would it be and why?
Definitely my teammates who don’t live in Richmond! My teammates have become family to me over the years, and I hate how far away we all are from each other. Text messages, emails, and calls aren’t quite the same as seeing each other in person.
What excites you the most about the future of Spider Athletics?
The facilities and gear the student-athletes have today. I’m still jealous that all athletes get gear from Adidas! We did not have that luxury during my time and bought our own “extra” shirts and sweats if we wanted anything beyond the basic staples we got each season!
If you could give a current student-athlete one piece of advice, what would it be?
Take the time to create strong friendships with your teammates and put in the work to maintain them after you graduate. Mine have become my family, having seen me through some of my best and worst days. Nearly 15 years later they’re still my first call or text when I have good news or need help. You’ve been through something special together – training a million hours a week, while going to school, and trying to excel at both – and I’ve found that people only understand that type of work and dedication if they’ve done it too.
If you were speaking to other alumni or fans, why would you encourage them to also support the Spider Athletic Fund?
SAF helps the whole athletic department, and so many sports, especially non-revenue generating, rely on your support for things like uniforms, equipment, travel, etc. Further, by giving the student-athletes and coaches the support they need, they can stay focused on maintaining the UR winning tradition both in the classroom and on the field, court, pool, track, etc.
