WVU Legend Georgeann Wells Donates $50 Million to Elevate Mountaineers Women’s Basketball
Morgantown, WV — In a groundbreaking act of generosity and commitment to the future of women’s basketball, West Virginia University legend Georgeann Wells has announced a historic $50 million donation to the WVU Women’s Basketball program.
Wells, known worldwide as the first woman to dunk in an NCAA game and a pioneer of the sport, said the gift is her way of giving back to the university that helped shape her life and career.
“This program gave me everything — opportunity, growth, and a place to make history,” Wells said in an emotional press conference at the WVU Coliseum. “Now it’s my turn to help the next generation of Mountaineer women dream even bigger.”
The $50 million gift is the largest in WVU Women’s Basketball history and will be used to fund a state-of-the-art practice facility, academic resources, NIL support for players, and community outreach programs. A portion of the funds will also establish the Georgeann Wells Leadership Academy, designed to empower female student-athletes on and off the court.
WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker called the donation “transformational.”
“Georgeann Wells is not just a legend in the record books — she’s now a legend for generations to come,” Baker said. “Her generosity ensures WVU Women’s Basketball will be a national powerhouse for decades.”
Wells, who has spent years as an educator and coach, emphasized that this gift is about more than sports.
“This is about legacy,” she said. “It’s about building leaders, empowering young women, and making sure Mountaineer Nation stays strong forever.”
