West Texas A&M softball has long been one of the nation’s premier Division II programs, and now—thanks to a remarkable $1.5 million anonymous donation—the Lady Buffs have even more momentum behind them. Announced at a Nov. 19 press conference, the gift establishes the Alyssa Lemos Kirsch Softball Program Endowment, ensuring enduring support for recruiting, player development, and the championship culture that defines WT softball.
The donor, a longtime supporter with deep ties to the program, chose to honor Lemos Kirsch, a standout on WT’s 2014 national championship team. WT President Walter V. Wendler emphasized the broader meaning of the donation:
“But more than that, it will ensure every young woman who puts on that WT jersey is part of something enduring—a team, a family and a university that believes in her potential,” Wendler said.
A Gift Rooted in Relationships
The connection between the donor and Lemos Kirsch stretches back 15 years, to the days when softball players worked concessions for season-ticket holders at football games in Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. That early relationship continued long after her time at WT.
Lesly Bosch Annen, assistant vice president for development and leadership gifts, said:
“The couple stayed in touch with her long after her time playing softball at WT. So, it was not surprising when working with this donor and his professional advisers about his estate plans that he wanted to find a way to honor her through his support of the WT softball program.”
Lemos Kirsch, now an OB-GYN in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, expressed her gratitude in a video message:
“Playing softball at WT not only opened a ton of doors of opportunity but began life-long friendships with the boosters who support our athletic programs,” she said. “Without donations like this our team could not continue to expand and continue to be a powerhouse in Division II softball.”
A Commitment Felt on the Field
For the student–athletes currently wearing WT maroon, the donation resonates deeply. Junior outfielder Emily Liskai called it a “powerful message”:
“Your generosity will impact more lives than you realize,” Liskai said. “You’re investing in young women who work hard, compete with grit and care deeply about representing this university with pride.”
Softball coach Michael Mook reinforced how transformational this endowment will be:
“Moments like this remind us that a team is never just the group of athletes on the field; it is a family made up of supporters, alumni, fans and community members who believe in what we’re building,” Mook said. “(The donor’s) generosity doesn’t simply add resources to our program; it creates opportunities, elevates expectations and strengthens the foundation for our future.”
Doug Lipinski, vice president for athletics, noted that this is more than philanthropy—it’s fuel for sustained excellence:
The investment “builds on our championship legacy, which will allow us to continue to attract top-tier talent and cultivate an elite environment for our student athletes,” Lipinski said.
A Program With a Championship Pedigree
The Lady Buffs have already established themselves as one of the premier programs in Division II softball:
Two NCAA Division II national championships (2014, 2021)
13 NCAA postseason appearances
Three trips to the Division II College World Series
Six Lone Star Conference regular-season championships
Five LSC tournament titles
A 56–8 record in 2025, advancing to the South Central Super Regional
The new endowment ensures that success isn’t just historical—it’s sustainable.
Legacy, Loyalty, and the Future of Lady Buff Softball
WT softball has always been about more than wins. It’s about community, family, and the kind of relationships that spark life-changing generosity. This gift, rooted in a 15-year friendship, will shape the experiences of Lady Buffs for generations.
If the program’s past is any indication, the future is bright—and now, it's permanently resourced.
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