MESSAGE FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
SCOTT CORLEY
Bruin Nation,
Greetings from Belmont Boulevard! As we wind down the 2024-25 academic year here at Belmont, we sit on the precipice of great change within college athletics. In the near future, likely between the time pen this letter and it hits your mailbox, Judge Claudia Wilken stands to make an important ruling on the House vs. NCAA case settlement, providing much-needed clarity and direction for the future of college athletics as it relates to Name, Image, and Likeness and the parameters around roster management.
The anticipated takeaway from Judge Wilken’s ruling is that moving forward, all NIL activity and roster management will be regulated and managed in-house by athletic departments, rather than through thirdparty NIL collectives. Simply put, we view this as a positive development as it relates to Belmont Athletics.
While the only constant in life is change, we feel strongly that these recent seismic shifts in college athletics will not prohibit us from continuing to develop remarkable young people academically and athletically. Our student-athletes will still come to Belmont to grow spiritually, emotionally, and competitively as they pursue their athletic dreams. That much is a non-negotiable in my mind.
Another certainty that I’ve come to in my mind is this: We all need to challenge ourselves to more deeply invest as it relates to our collective support of Belmont Athletics. So, what does that mean exactly? To begin, we need our fanbase at the MVC men’s and women’s basketball tournaments to rival those of our moreestablished MVC peers. We need hundreds, if not thousands, of you there cheering on the Bruins. Not just close friends, family, and administration. Please mark your calendars for early March each year.
Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, we must all aim to more deeply support Belmont Athletics philanthropically if possible. I fully understand that not all of us are able to do so, but I urge you to reflect on your own support and if it accurately reflects your hopes and expectations for Belmont Athletics.
Unfortunately, we are not an athletic department that is able to rely on multi-million-dollar media contracts and sponsorships. As such, our reality is that we must challenge ourselves to be the difference that helps provide our Bruins more opportunities to be great. It’s a challenge we must meet head-on and one that I hope you’re willing to fight for alongside us. It’s also one I know we are capable of winning.
Go Bruins!
Scott Corley
BRUIN CLUB CALENDAR 2025 2026
WHAT IS THE BRUIN CLUB?
The Bruin Club is the official annual fundraising organization for Belmont Athletics, and it supports the student-athletes and coaches who comprise Belmont’s 17 NCAA Division I teams.
Contributions to the Bruin Club help increase athletic scholarships and provide program enhancements critical to the growing demands of competition at a
higher level. Strong support of the Bruin Club helps recruit, educate, and train the highest caliber of student-athletes. Belmont student-athletes are known for their service, exemplary behavior, compassion, academic achievement, and competitive prowess on and off the playing field.
BRUIN CLUB MEMBERS
Blue, Red, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum level Bruin Club members are offered seating benefits (with the option to purchase season tickets in the Bruin Club Sections). By law as of 1/1/2018, gifts that receive seating benefits are NOT tax deductible. However, if you elect to decline seating benefits, your gift may be 100% tax deductible. As with any tax inquiry, you should consult with your tax advisor.
BRUIN CLUB REMINDERS
• Available to donors giving $1,500+ annually to Belmont Athletics with Bruin Basketball season tickets
• Doors open one hour before all home men’s and women’s games with a pregame meal service
• Game preview with Belmont Men’s Basketball Head Coach Casey Alexander prior to men’s games and Belmont Women’s Basketball Head Coach Bart Brooks prior to women’s games
• Number of lanyards distributed equal to number of season tickets purchased in the Bruin Club Section
• Halftime access available to donors giving $1,500+ to Belmont Athletics for all men’s and women’s home basketball games includes popcorn, dessert, and drinks
• 44 total seats available
• $1,000 per seat, plus $199 per season ticket (must be an even number of tickets)
• Complimentary water bottles and popcorn service for all home basketball games
• Currently sold out — contact russell.grimm@belmont.edu to be added to waitlist
• $10,000+ annually to Belmont
• Exclusive Belmont Athletics donor travel opportunity
• Exclusive Belmont Basketball practice viewing opportunity
• June 1–October 31
• Allows Belmont student-athletes to more fully benefit from your annual gift
• Donors with Bruin Club seating must make appropriate gift prior to purchase of basketball season tickets
• Bruin Club benefits not recognized until gift is made
• September 11, 2025, at 8:00
Gaylord Springs Golf Links
• $1,000/foursome, sponsorships available
• Silent auction and post-tournament reception
BRUIN CLUB GOLF CLASSIC Platinum
Join your fellow Bruin Club members, alumni, parents, and friends for the annual Bruin Club Golf Classic presented by Enterprise Solutions. This year’s tournament will host 32 teams and feature a silent auction. Last year’s
tournament sold out quickly, so reserve a spot today! All golfers will receive breakfast, exclusive Belmont Bruins gear, and an invitation to a post-tournament awards reception with a catered lunch and a silent auction.
$2,500 Driving
$2,500
Reach out to the contact below or scan the QR code to reserve your spot.
RUSSELL GRIMM
Executive Director of the Bruin Club russell.grimm@belmont.edu 615 560 5668
$2,500
BRUINS TRIP
This
fall,
Belmont Athletics will embark upon the latest iteration of its Platinum Bruins trip! This year, Platinum Bruin donors will join us on an unforgettable trip to Charleston, SC, where the Belmont Men’s Basketball team will face off against the College of Charleston Cougars on Sunday, November 30. In addition to travel costs and game tickets, trip attendees will be invited to attend a series of exclusive
experiences, including a group dinner with the team, pregame social with other Platinum Bruins, a morning shootaround session with the team, and the unique opportunity to sit in on a film study session with head Coach Casey Alexander and the team. We are excited to carry on this growing Belmont tradition with you! Previous opponents and destinations have included the University of Richmond in Richmond, VA; the
University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ; TCU in Fort Worth, TX; UCLA in Los Angeles, CA; Boston College in Boston, MA; LSU in Baton Rouge, LA; and UIC in Chicago, IL. If it is a financial consideration for you, we hope that you will explore becoming a Platinum Bruin to join us for another amazing trip and interacting with some of Belmont’s finest student-athletes, coaches, and administration.
VINCE GILL ROOM
The Vince Gill Room offers Bruin Club members at the Bronze Bruin ($1,500+) level and above an exclusive experience for men’s and women’s basketball game days. All Bruin Club members who give $1,500 annually to Belmont Athletics are granted access to the Vince Gill Room on game days (gifts to the Betty Wiseman Mission Fund do not accrue Bruin Club
benefits). Vince Gill Room access allows members to receive a pregame meal and snacks, bottled waters, and Pepsi soft drinks. Members will also get to hear a pregame speech and opponent breakdown from
and then will re-open at
Members who donate $2,500 or more annually will receive a premium parking pass for all basketball games.
THE BRUIN CLUB breaking down
BETTY WISEMAN MISSION FUND
• 100% student-athlete mission trip support
• Gifts do not receive Bruin Club membership-level credit
SPORT-SPECIFIC GIFTS
• Gifts directly supporting a specific sport program
• 100% sport-specific operational fund support
• Gifts receive Bruin Club membership-level credit
• Season tickets, parking, post-season ticket access
BRUIN CLUB (ANNUAL GIVING)
• 100% of all gifts at the Athletic Director’s discretion
• Operational and facility maintenance support
• Gifts receive Bruin Club membership-level credit
• Season tickets, parking, post-season ticket access
MAJOR GIFTS
• Athletic Excellence Initiative ($50,000 and up)
• Athletic Scholarship Endowment ($50,000 and up)
• Capital Project Naming Opportunities ($25,000 and up)
• Pledges to Facilities
• Planned Giving ($50,000 and up)
Bequest or beneficiary designation
Major gifts GIVING PRIORITIES
addition to providing annual giving support through the Bruin Club, donors may opt to give to a specific sport or endow their own scholarship to benefit a specific team. All gifts to these areas accrue Bruin Club benefits. Donors may choose to make a gift to any of the following teams:
ENDOWED ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS
The largest expense any athletic department incurs is the cost of scholarships for deserving studentathletes. Belmont Athletics supports 135 scholarships annually. Our long-term goal is to endow as much of this cost as possible. The minimum gift to establish a named endowment is $50,000, payable over one to five years. Visit BelmontBruinClub.com for more information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO GIVE, PLEASE CONTACT:
RUSSELL GRIMM
Executive Director of the Bruin Club
russell.grimm@belmont.edu
ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE Initiative
Originally created in July 2022 as Belmont Athletics joined the prestigious Missouri Valley Conference, Belmont’s Athletic Excellence Initiative fund continues to serve as the primary vehicle for high-level, unrestricted giving to Belmont Athletics.
Upon its creation, the Athletic Excellence Initiative received over $7 million in support to help assist with the increased financial commitments associated with Belmont’s transition to the Valley over a five-year period.
With Belmont now firmly entrenched as a marquee member of the MVC, the fund will continue to be utilized to enhance the student-athlete experience at Belmont. Additionally, with the looming House vs. NCAA settlement, it appears likely Belmont Athletics will soon be able to utilize this important fund to assist with roster management.
Recently, Belmont has been proactive in securing a second round of fundraising efforts to enhance the fund. Still more is needed as we strive to be the leading mid-major athletic program in the country, helping to provide our student-athletes a premier educational, spiritual, and athletic experience while consistently competing at the highest national level.
Travel Accommodations — Ability to offer more travel-friendly accommodations for all sports including:
take flights to more contests
• WBB Scheduling — Play in a multi-team tournament event each year. Events require an entrance fee and travel expenses.
• MBB Scheduling — Offer guaranteed financial payments to schools for more home games, including hosting a multiteam tournament at Belmont. We must increase our philanthropic aspirations in strategic areas that are critical components of athletic success and student-athlete development. As such, Belmont Athletics seeks highly motivated individuals to help take our athletic programs and student-athletes to unprecedented heights as we continue to grow the Athletic Excellence Initiative fund.
to the Athletic Excellence Initiative begin at $50,000 and may be paid over five years. Interested parties may contact:
$3,575,368
ACADEMICS
21
STUDENT-ATHLETES BY STATE
BRUINS FOR LIFE
On April 9, 2025, Belmont University hosted Bruins for Life, a 24-hour giving day event that united the Belmont community to support students and programs across campus.
Thanks to the generosity of Bruin Nation, 334 Bruins for Life gave a record-setting $141,395 in support of Belmont Athletics!
In addition to the amazing support from the external Belmont community, 100% of our Belmont Athletics staff made a Bruins for Life gift! The success of Bruins for Life goes far beyond just the financials. It beautifully reflects Bruin Nation’s commitment to positively impacting the lives of Belmont’s 280 student-athletes during their time at Belmont. Every gift helps create a transformative studentathlete experience for these young men and women, helping us to build not only stronger athletic programs, but also stronger individuals prepared to lead with purpose. The success of Bruins for Life plays a direct role in the continued growth of Belmont Athletics, as we aim to elevate Belmont Athletics together. Next year’s Bruins for Life is slated for April 8, 2026. Please mark your calendars, as we hope to have your support of Bruins for Life once again!
BETTY WISEMAN
The Betty Wiseman Mission Fund exists to allow our student-athletes to serve on mission trips each year.
Thanks to the generous support of donors to the Betty Wiseman Mission Fund, hundreds of Belmont student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff have been able to serve on nearly 40 mission trips in 15 countries, sharing God’s love all over the world. These amazing trips make a lasting impact on our student-athletes, helping them grow both personally and spiritually.
We look forward to providing many more of these experiences going forward.
Over winter break, we hosted our biggest mission trip to date led by Ryan Neises, Director of Student-Athlete Formation.
Twenty-three Belmont student-athletes from the softball, baseball, men’s soccer, volleyball, and cross country and track and field teams traveled to San Jose, Costa
Rica, where the group partnered for the third time with Young Life, a ministry that gives hope, joy, and belonging to teens through Jesus. During their time in Costa Rica, the student-athletes participated in physical projects around their property along with relational ministry while working at their Young Life Camp.
BRUINS COMMUNITY in the
TOTAL HOURS SERVED
7,745
% OF STUDENTATHLETES THAT SERVED THIS YEAR
AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS SERVED PER STUDENT-ATHLETE
ECONOMIC IMPACT
95% 25 $259,397
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS SERVED
32
TEAM IMPACT
Belmont’s baseball, men’s basketball, and softball teams partnered with Team IMPACT this past school year. Team IMPACT matches children who are facing serious illnesses and disabilities with college sports teams to create a longterm and life-changing experience for all involved. This experience is not only
impacting the children who are selected, but also the student-athletes as well by giving them an opportunity to create genuine and impactful relationships.
Team IMPACT is made up of dedicated individuals who are committed to changing the lives of children, families,
student-athletes, and teams across the country. Everyone at Team IMPACT plays a role in reaching their goals, fulfilling their mission, and getting all kids in the game. Team IMPACT continues to empower all kids and teams to bond, grow, and win together.
SHOP WITH THE BRUINS
On December 11, 2024, Belmont’s men’s and women’s basketball teams partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Middle Tennessee to help spread Christmas cheer to 30 kids who live in Nashville and
the surrounding areas. This opportunity not only provided these children with a unique experience with some of our student-athletes, but also gave them a chance to pick out Christmas presents for themselves and family members at Opry Mills Mall. This event happens annually and is now a staple for Belmont Athletics during Christmas, which is made possible by the support of Gray Line Tennessee.
TAK PAK PARTY
For the third straight year, Belmont Athletics helped supply the needs of foster children of Middle Tennessee as part of the NCAA’s Civic Engagement Day. The Athletic Department partnered with the Tennessee Alliance for Kids
to host a TAK PAK Party. At the party, student-athletes, coaches, and staff packed 25 backpacks (TAK PAKs) full of toiletries, toys, books, and clothing. The initiative, adopted by the NCAA in 2020, specifies that athletic-related activities
be prohibited on the first Tuesday after November 1 every year to promote participation in civic engagement activities by athletic departments.
Belmont University's
HEAD COACHES
NEW BRUINS in the den
On January 9, 2025, Fritz Rosenberg was announced as the sixth head coach in Belmont Volleyball history. Prior to Belmont, Fritz spent the past three seasons at Mississippi State as an assistant coach and helped the Bulldogs record 11 top-50 wins. He also helped
FRITZ ROSENBERG VOLLEYBALL
his team to lead the SEC in digs for the 2022 season. Prior to Mississippi State, Fritz spent eight seasons at Ball State where he coached the Cardinals to the top of the Mid-American Conference and helped them make NCAA Tournament appearances in 2019 and 2021. Prior to
On July 23, 2024, Ellie Burger was announced as the new Women’s Tennis coach at Belmont. Ellie, who is a former Missouri Valley Conference champion as a player, spent the last two seasons at Missouri State as their head coach.
BURGER
Ellie led the Bears to 13 victories in her last season, which was the most wins for the program since 2014. She is originally from Chesterfield, Missouri, and was a standout athlete for the Bears from 2017-21. She finished her college career
third in school history in singles winning percentage and won an individual MVC singles title in 2019. In her first year at Belmont, Ellie led the Bruins to a 7-15 overall record, posting an impressive 5-3 mark in conference.
Ball State, Fritz also had a stint at fellow Missouri Valley Conference foe Missouri State as an assistant coach and was at Kentucky as a volunteer assistant coach. Fritz brings a wide variety of experience and success and plans for that same success for Belmont.
WOMEN � S TENNIS
BELMONT BASKETBALL SEATING
“THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE!”
Don’t miss your chance to sit “Curbside” for Belmont Basketball in the most coveted seats in the Curb Event Center. These seats put you closer to the action than ever before! “Curbside” seats require an annual donation of $1,000 per seat, plus the cost of season tickets ($199/per). Seats include complimentary pregame beverage and popcorn service as well as pregame and halftime access to the Vince Gill Room. “Curbside” seats are currently sold out, but please contact Russell Grimm at russell.grimm@belmont.edu about future availability!
SEATING MAP
SUITES
In addition to our “Curbside Seats,” another premium seating option in the Curb Event Center is our eight luxury suites. Recently, Belmont renovated these suites by adding new carpet, leather seats, granite countertops, shelves, hidden refrigerators, furniture, and much more! The suites in Curb have four different designs and sizes. As a result, the annual commitment per suite varies based on the room’s setup. Suites include tickets for 6-14 people (depending on size), complimentary
soda, water, popcorn, candy, and other snacks, as well as the ability to order from a diverse catering menu! Suites are sold on a season-long basis. While all suites are currently committed, if you are interested in becoming a suiteholder, please contact:
RUSSELL GRIMM
russell.grimm@belmont.edu 615 560 5668
KID ZONE
BRUIN CLUB
ALUMNI
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY DOES THE BELMONT ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT NEED GIFTS TO THE BRUIN CLUB? The Bruin Club provides critical support to our student-athletes and coaches. It also allows Belmont to address the rising costs that are associated with a highly competitive Division I program. The support of our members allows our coaches and our teams to build and maintain successful sports programs.
Your support is an investment in the lives of each student-athlete who wears the Belmont uniform. Bruin Club gifts support updated training facilities and equipment, team travel, academic support programs, and other essential components required to support Belmont’s teams.
HOW DO I JOIN THE BRUIN CLUB?
You can join by returning the enclosed membership form or contacting Russell Grimm, Executive Director of the Bruin Club, at russell.grimm@belmont.edu or 615.460.5668. You can also make a gift by visiting BelmontBruinClub.com.
IS MY DONATION TO THE BRUIN CLUB TAXDEDUCTIBLE? Yes and no. Belmont University is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible organization. An acknowledgment letter will be sent to you upon receiving your gift and will serve as a receipt of your contribution. By law as of 1/1/2018, gifts that accrue seating benefits are NOT tax-deductible. However, if you elect to decline seating benefits, your gift may be 100% taxdeductible. As with any tax inquiry, you should consult with your tax advisor.
HOW IS MY MONEY USED? Your gift will contribute to the future success of our studentathletes. One hundred percent of your Bruin Club donation goes to support the greatest needs of Belmont’s Athletic Department, as determined by the Athletics Director on an annual basis. These priorities vary from year to year but are always focused on enhancing our program to benefit our student-athletes and coaches. We need your continued help and support more and more each year as Belmont student-athletes strive to achieve success on and off the field.
WHAT ARE THE DEADLINES FOR MY CONTRIBUTION? The Bruin Club operates on a fiscal year calendar, in line with the University calendar. Therefore, Bruin Club memberships begin June 1 and end May 31 of the following year. For gifts that accrue seating benefits for men’s and women’s basketball, contributions must be received before season tickets are purchased.
WHAT IS THE VINCE GILL ROOM? The Vince Gill Room serves as the main hospitality room for the Bruin Club. Located above the main concourse on the west side of the Curb Event Center, the Vince Gill Room overlooks the arena. It serves as a place for Bruin Club members who contribute $1,500 or more to enjoy hospitality privileges before tip-off and during halftime of men’s and women’s basketball games.
DO I HAVE TO GIVE $100 TO BE A BRUIN CLUB MEMBER? While we do accept and appreciate any and all financial contributions, your gift must meet the $100 minimum to receive Bruin Club membership benefits.
DOES MY BRUIN CLUB MEMBERSHIP ALLOW ME TO PURCHASE BASKETBALL SEASON TICKETS? You do not have to give to the Bruin Club to purchase basketball season tickets. However, if you are interested in sitting in the Bruin Club Sections (115 and 116) or enjoying the new courtside seats, a corresponding gift must be made. See the benefits chart (page 6) for details.
WHY MUST I CONTRIBUTE TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE VINCE GILL ROOM OR SIT IN THE DESIGNATED BRUIN CLUB SECTIONS?
While we appreciate any and all financial contributions, we do require a minimum gift of $500 to purchase basketball season tickets in the Bruin Club Section. We require a minimum gift of $1,500 to visit the Vince Gill Room for the pregame meal, halftime snack service, and Chalk Talk. This is due to the cost of food and beverages served and the desire of the Bruin Club to ensure the benefits received at this contribution level are a commitment privilege.
ATHLETIC SPONSORSHIP
PARTNER WITH THE BRUINS
Belmont Athletics offers advertising opportunities throughout the year at various athletics and campus events. Work with us to support our student-athletes and showcase your business to our large audience of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Other benefits of becoming an athletics corporate partner include brand
recognition that can increase exposure and networking opportunities with key stakeholders at athletics events, as well as the opportunity to invest in the Nashville community and support local student-athletes.
For more information on becoming a Bruin Corporate Partner, please contact:
HUNTER DANIELS
Director of Sales and Sponsorships
hunter.daniels@belmont.edu
615 460 8027
For more information, please review the benefits chart in this membership guide or on our website at BelmontBruinClub.com, or contact one of the following:
RUSSELL GRIMM
Executive Director of the Bruin Club russell.grimm@belmont.edu
615 560 5668
BRUIN CLUB staff
RUSSELL GRIMM
Executive Director of the Bruin Club
Russell Grimm was promoted to Executive Director of the Bruin Club in May 2022. Hired as Director of Athletic Fundraising in 2016, Russell has spearheaded a 1,700% increase in giving to athletics and a 300% increase in annual fund giving over the last six years. Russell oversees all aspects of Belmont University athletic development, including the Bruin Club, the Athletic Excellence Initiative, endowed athletic scholarships, the Betty Wiseman Mission Fund, facility projects, donor relations, hospitality, the Bruin Club Golf Classic, and other special events.
“Russell has been an incredible asset to Belmont Athletics,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Corley. “Through his dedication and hard work, our athletic fundraising has reached historic levels. The future of the Bruin Club is very bright under Russell’s leadership.”
Russell led gift conversations resulting in over 100 major gifts to Belmont Athletics and the creation of more than 25 new endowed scholarships. Russell previously served in athletic development roles at VCU, Boston College, and Michigan. The Franklin, Tennessee, native graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2007 with a B.S. in Journalism and Electronic Media. Following his time in Knoxville, he moved back home to Nashville to pursue his Master of Sport Administration from Belmont, graduating from the University’s MSA Program in 2009.
Russell and his wife Erin live in Nashville with their three dogs, Jackson, Franklin, and Wyatt.
ANNA SPELLER Development Assistant
Anna Speller is a Development Assistant for the Bruin Club.
She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University where she was a fouryear letter winner as a member of the gymnastics team. While at SEMO, she interned with the Redhawks Club in the university’s athletic department. She assisted with football and basketball game day hospitality suites, planned their
IMPACT game, and was an integral part of their major fundraising events including a trivia night, Walk for Women, and their annual golf tournament.
Originally from St. Louis, Anna earned her Bachelor of Science in Corporate Communications from SEMO in May of 2024 and is currently pursuing her Master of Sport Administration at Belmont.
PIERCE SMITH Development Assistant
Pierce Smith is a Development Assistant for the Bruin Club.
He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2024 with a B.S. in Sport Management. Pierce spent his undergraduate tenure as an intern with UT’s athletic event management department. In this role, he assisted with planning, setup, and facilitation of UT athletic events; coordinated catering schedules; and served as a liaison for game officials. Pierce took on
leadership responsibilities as a student operations lead for softball, volleyball, and men’s basketball events and served as Assistant Tournament Manager for on-campus NCAA post-season tournaments in softball and volleyball.
He is currently pursuing his Master of Sport Administration at Belmont where he also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Department of Exercise Science.
