Former UCSD softball player Dana Chaiken, ’91, and her family
have provided $250,000 to support the renovation and upgrading of
UCSD’s intercollegiate softball facility, which will begin
in 2005.
The gift, made through the Donald and Carole Chaiken Foundation,
is the largest private contribution made to-date to the Department
of Athletics. The family structured the gift as a challenge to
inspire matching gifts from alumni, parents and supporters of UCSD
Athletics,
with the goal of bringing the total softball facility fund to $500,000.
Chaiken was the starting shortstop for the Tritons from 1988
to 1991. She currently is co-owner of the Carlsbad Golf Center,
a
local driving
range. Chaiken and her business partner, Susan Roll, are the only
known female driving range owners on the West Coast. Their facility
was named a “Top 10 New Range in 2003” by the Golf Range
Association of America and a “Top 25 Shop” by Golf for
Women magazine.
Q. Why did you choose to support this particular project?
A. My experience playing softball, and with the athletic department,
was a huge part of my overall collegiate experience. I learned
so much about life from playing sports. I always appreciated
the efforts of those who played before me, how they laid the
groundwork for the positive experience I
enjoyed. It’s important to provide top-notch facilities to
attract the best players, and to encourage community involvement
with the campus.
Q. What motivated you and your
family to structure the gift as a challenge?
A. Softball is a team sport. This
gift provides an opportunity for everyone affiliated with the program,
past and present, to come
together as a team to accomplish something that will benefit hundreds
of athletes for years to come. Leadership is merely a vision until
teamwork makes it happen.
Q.What’s next?
A. I’m always searching
for a new mountain to climb, a new challenge to conquer. You never
know what’s coming your way—you
just need to stay open to the possibilities when they present themselves. 
If you are interested in giving to the Chaiken Challenge, contact
Kim Signoret-Paar at (858) 822-1536 or kspaar@ucsd.edu.
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