The Troy University Golf Team is riding in style thanks to the combined efforts of a group of alumni.

This past fall, the team received a donation of two state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans which will be used for recruiting and team travel.

The vans can each hold up to eight passengers and storage units for clubs, bags, shoes and other gear.

The vans were purchased through donations made by alumni Leshia and David Hancock, Connie and Collin McCrary, Cindy and Mike Dodds, and Sue and Lewis Rushing. David Hancock and Collin McCrary are both former golf team members and all of the alumni donors involved have been active supports of TROY athletics.

Rebecca Watson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Development, said the donations that led to the purchase of the sprinter vans are a great example of donors working together.

“This was a big project that required a team effort,” Watson said. “This really shows what can happen when the Trojan family combines their passion and resources. We are grateful for all the generous donations that made this a reality for the golf team,”

The vans feature Wi-Fi accessibility and individual study stations for each of the student-athletes to assist with their school work when traveling to and from competitions. Additionally, the interior includes leather seats with Troy logos stitched into the headrests, satellite television and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.

“These vans show the commitment that Troy University and Troy Athletics have to our student-athletes,” men’s head coach Bart Barnes said. “It allows the student-athletes the opportunity to study in comfort when on the road and demonstrates that we are providing them every opportunity to succeed. We have some of the best donors out there and they care so much about our student-athletes, we are very appreciative for their support.”

“This project was very important to our golf programs, as we continue to grow and build on our past successes,” Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain commented. “This is a big step forward that shows how committed we are to trying to provide the best resources possible to our student-athletes. On that note, this project was completed funded by private dollars and would have never become a reality without the commitment and generous support of several key donors. To them we say a big “Thank You’!”