Texas Christian University Development

"...if we can change the culture of student-athletes and how they develop, and prepare them for life after sports, then we've done our job." - LaDainian Tomlinson

What is the Tomlinson Student-Athlete Development Endowment Fund?

Created in alignment with TCU's Vision in Action: Lead On strategic plan, the Tomlinson Student-Athlete Development Endowment Fund was created by the Tomlinson Family and TCU Athletics to support the holistic development of TCU student-athletes.  United by a shared vision, the fund promotes meaningful change in all areas of a student-athlete’s life off the field, preparing them for life beyond their time as a student at TCU.  On May 16, 2019, TCU Athletics hosted "A Night with LT at TCU", an event that generated significant support to the fund to kick-start fundraising efforts.  Since then, well over $1M in gifts have been committed to the fund which has allowed the support of TCU’s 500+ student-athletes and 22 sports programs grow exponentially. 

Areas of Impact

In the past year, TCU Athletics has shifted gears and established new departmental pillars to focus on the unique needs of today’s student-athlete. The overall goal is to assist student-athletes with connecting who they are and what they want to become to their individual educational experience. To accomplish this goal and ensure the holistic development of each student-athlete, our department focuses on five areas:

• Career Readiness and Professional Development
• Leadership and Personal Development
• Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
• Mental Health and Mental Performance
• Name, Image, and Likeness

Within these pillars, all of our student-athlete development programs are very intentional and created as intentional learning opportunities for our student-athletes to assist with maximizing their college experience. Programs are designed to support our student-athletes by:

• Creating an inclusive space for positive interactions
• Supporting their holistic learning and development
• Guiding them toward intended outcomes
• Promoting student-athlete engagement

Horned Frogs can learn more about these pillars and TCU Athletics student-athlete development by visiting the home page  HERE  or by contacting Ray Walls at r.o.walls@tcu.edu or 817-257-5522.

The Impact

"TCU Student-Athlete Development encourages me to improve both on and off the field as a student-athlete. I'm motivated by their support and guidance to take on various leadership roles and opportunities that allow me to interact and serve diverse populations within my community. The resources provided have been captivating and beneficial to my future goals. I would advise all student-athletes to utilize what is offered, and not be hesitant to seize control of their futures."
– Jasmin Muhammad Graham, Women’s Track & Field, 2024
 
"There is no game plan for student-athletes after they walk across the stage at TCU and enter the world as an ex-TCU athletics alumnus. Every student-athlete alumnus has a set of attributes specific to them individually, their sport, and TCU. These attributes are put into action every day as you go through your athletic career. When that career is over there is an inevitable roadblock for every athlete to figure out how to get those skills, attributes, and characteristics already in possession from the court or field into the business world. This is what their support helped me understand how to do."
– Jaelan Austin, Football, 2018

"The Tomlinson Endowment Fund has been instrumental in providing the support and resources needed for student-athletes to grow and develop, not just in their athletic pursuits, but as individuals poised for success beyond the playing field. Additionally, the endowment fund ensures a transformative journey marked by meaningful leadership opportunities, career mentorship partnerships, impactful community engagement experiences, internship placements, and invaluable job opportunities."
– Ray Walls, Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Experience and Brand Management
 

In the Press

How TCU RB great LaDainian Tomlinson is building a movement of leadership at his alma mater (The Dallas Morning News)
The Tomlinson Student-Athlete Development Fund (TCU Athletics)

Videos