Kansas City Athletics Celebrates Graduates, Launches 'Fund the Future' Campaign
5/19/2026 12:00:00 PM | Development
Kansas City encourages donors to make a difference in student-athletes lives by donating to Roos United
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Following UMKC's 2026 graduation weekend, Kansas City Athletics is launching its inaugural "Fund the Future" campaign. The campaign will highlight the student-athletes who are donning their caps and gowns this semester while seeking to fund the future of Roo student-athletes and the difference that they make, both on-and-off the field of competition.
"We are incredibly proud of our 2026 graduates and the enduring mark that they have left on Kansas City Athletics," Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin said. "By participating in our Fund the Future campaign, fans have a chance to make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes and the Kansas City community."
All supporters are invited to make a gift to Roos United, the giving arm of Kansas City Athletics. Donors can support the Roo Athletic Fund, directly supporting scholarships and providing a foundation for academic achievement and athletic success.
Donations can be made on the Roos United website (www.RoosUnited.com). All gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law and come with various membership benefits as dictated by donation level.
Across all athletic programs, 32 Roos will be walking across the stage during graduation weekend. Among the group, 28 will be graduating with bachelor's degrees and the other four will be graduating with a master's degree.Â
The impact of Roo student-athletes goes far beyond their athletic careers with alumni serving their communities as doctors, nurses, lawyers, business executives and much more. With a donation to the Roos for Life campaign, donors will not just be investing into the game, they will be investing into the future of Kansas City and other communities.
In the academic year 2024-25, Kansas City Athletics boasted 10 programs with Academic Progress Rates above 950. The Roos' women's tennis squad earned an APR Public Recognition award with a perfect multi-year rate of 1000.
With your support, you can help Kansas City Athletics build champions and impact future generations.
KANSAS CITY ATHLETICS CONGRATULATES ITS 2026 GRADUATES:
Men's Basketball:
Kasheem Grady, Liberal Arts BLA
Jerome Palm, Finance MS
Addarin Scott, Liberal Arts BLA
Women's Basketball:Â
Jumoke Adaramoye, Business Administration MBA
Kelby Bannerman, Business Administration MBA
Tierra Trotter, Psychology BA
Jamyah Winter, Liberal Arts BLA
Men's Golf:Â
Lucas Leonetti, Business Administration BBA
Women's Tennis:Â
Maria Bylina, Business Administration BBA
Catherine Chrobak, Biology BA
Amal Gati, Business Administration BBA
Men's Soccer:
Mathias Baucher, Liberal Arts BLA
Jeremy Francou, Liberal Arts BLA
Bryson Gosch, Business Administration BBA
Raphael Kistmann, Business Administration BBA
Mateus Moura, Accounting BS
Men's Track and Field:Â
Stephen Clunis, Business Administration BBA
Keilan Powell, Business Administration BBA
Logan Pratt, Accounting BS
Hunter Ross, Business Administration BBA
Victor Sewankambo, Criminal Justice & Criminology BA
Women's Track and Field:Â
Harper Barlow, Biology BA
Lily Bremer, Communication & Journalism BA
Payden Pietrusinski, Mechanical Engineering BSME
Alanie Rivera, Criminal Justice & Criminology BA and Psychology BA)
Shavelle Shaw, Finance MS and Business Analytics CT
Volleyball:Â
Kailee Deffebaugh, Business Administration BBA
Lyla Jones, Criminal Justice & Criminology BA
Nyle Mathis, Biology BA
Softball:Â
Elleana Navarro, Business Administration BBA
Katie Noble, Health Sciences BHS
Lauren Parker, Elementary Education BA
