There’s no one way to save a team. But we’ve put together a playbook of winning strategies to help your team succeed.

Phase 1: Organize & Mobilize (Days 1–10)

  • Form a Core Team
    Gather alumni, parents, and athletes into a leadership group with assigned roles.

  • Create a Clear Brand
    Name your effort (“Save [Team Name]”), create a logo, and build a basic website (Google Sites or Squarespace).

  • Establish a Fundraising Entity
    Use a 501(c)(3), a university foundation, or fiscal sponsor to accept donations legally.

  • Start a Petition
    Launch a Change.org petition to show momentum and collect emails.

Phase 2: Communicate with Power (Days 5–30)

  • Public Announcement
    Share your mission across email, social media, and press. Use UNCW-style rallying cries ("Save the program. Save the legacy.").

  • Media Outreach
    Write a press release and contact local and national media outlets. Offer personal interviews and athlete stories.

  • Deploy Social Media
    Use Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn to post regular updates and calls to action. Feature athlete spotlights and countdowns.

  • Engage Key Allies
    Reach out to Olympic swimmers, famous alumni, and influencers in the sport to publicly support your effort.

Phase 3: Fundraise with Purpose (Days 10–60)

  • Set a Public Fundraising Goal
    Use your research to define an initial amount (e.g., $250,000 for 1–2 years of bridge funding).

  • Launch a Campaign
    Use GoFundMe, Classy, or GiveCampus to accept online donations.

  • Create Donor Tiers & Incentives
    Offer team gear, naming opportunities, and recognition for different donation levels.

  • Quiet Phase for Big Donors
    Privately ask key individuals for $10k–$100k+ gifts to anchor the campaign.

Phase 4: Negotiate & Apply Pressure (Days 20–90)

  • Request a Meeting with Administration
    Present a clear ask: restore the team for X years with funding from Y donors.

  • Offer Solutions, Not Just Demands
    Provide cost-saving proposals (e.g., roster expansion, facility sharing).

  • Mobilize the Community
    Hold rallies, town halls, and virtual forums to show support.

  • Work Behind the Scenes
    Use board connections, donors, and political leaders to advocate internally.

Phase 5: Sustain Momentum

  • Post Regular Updates
    Celebrate milestones: media wins, donations, endorsements.

  • Prepare for the Long Game
    If a reinstatement is temporary, push for endowment creation or long-term sustainability.

  • Stay United
    Avoid factionalism or blaming. Keep the team culture strong and positive.