Appropriately, on International Women’s Day, Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway showed his respect and appreciation for the “incredible women student-athletes who have inspired me” in Gainesville. Lagway made a six-figure donation to the University of Florida’s women’s sports programs via the Gators’ NIL collective, Florida Victorious.
DJ Lagway Makes a Significant Donation to Support Florida Gators Women’s Athletics
The non-profit organization that provides NIL opportunities for Gator student-athletes announced in a press release that the superstar quarterback “is giving back to the women athletes at the University of Florida in a first of its kind gesture.”
“I am truly inspired by these women,” Lagway said in a post on his X account. Addressing and showing his admiration for the women’s athletics programs, he added, “Your passion pushes me to go harder every single day. Because of this, I wanna show my appreciation for everything that they do and encourage others to do the same. That’s why I have decided to personally make a contribution to our Florida Victorious women athletes. Go Gators!”
In honor of International Women’s Day, here is my gift to these incredible women student-athletes who have inspired me!
Go Gators 🐊 pic.twitter.com/lJiMASoq9k
— LAG ✞ (@DerekLagway) March 8, 2025
“That’s in DJ. It’s in his DNA and I think he’s first class,” Florida’s head football coach Billy Napier added. “This is who he is and what a great example. To whom much is given, much is expected, and I think he’s taking full advantage if his opportunity to take this platform and run with it.”
Florida’s young passer, a five-star recruit coming out of Willis High School in Texas, made his debut earlier than expected in the 2024 season, replacing injured starter Graham Mertz late in the Gators’ opening season loss to Miami and was named the starter ahead of a 45-7 win over Samford.
Lagway led Florida to upset wins over Top 25 opponents LSU and Ole Miss in a promising first season under center in Gainesville.
In seven starts for the Gators, he helped lead Florida to a 6-1 record and a place in postseason bowl play. Lagway is ranked No.17 in College Sports Network’s Top 100 Returning College Football Players for 2025.
Having become one of the most valuable NIL athletes in college football at a time when the amounts paid to student athletes are increasingly in the headlines, the news of Lagway’s generous gesture to the Gators’ women sports programs makes welcome reading.
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Approaching his second year as the figurehead of Florida’s football program, here’s hoping his statement action could inspire other prominent athletes to follow his lead and invest in women’s sports.
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