This year’s school-wide theme, Living the Questions, inspires this year’s U Fund campaign. One of the questions we’re asking is: What does it mean to be an athlete at University? For senior Kothe Birge, the answer is rooted in generosity.
Everyone at University knows Kothe. Every morning after Community Meeting, he is the one standing by the door, holding it open so everyone can walk through. It’s a small act, but one that captures the spirit of generosity he brings to his life as a student and athlete.
Tennis has been part of Kothe’s life since early childhood, and at University it has become more than just a sport. “I really enjoy the sense of community. The athletes here care as much about each other as they care about the sport. I’ve made so many connections at the school because of being a student-athlete, and it’s something I wouldn’t want to lose. Without it, my school experience would be very different.”
That community has also shaped the way he thinks about generosity. “The generosity of people I admire—especially my older teammates when I was first on the team and how they treated others—inspired me to try to be that same kind of role model for the underclassmen.”
For Kothe, athletics aren’t just about competition. “Sports at University aren’t just about winning. They’re about building each other up and being there for your teammates.”
So, what does it mean to Kothe to be an athlete? It means more than just competing. It means showing up for teammates, being generous with encouragement, and modeling leadership in small but meaningful ways. It means everyday acts of generosity, like encouraging teammates or simply holding the door for others.
When you give to the U Fund, you make experiences like Kothe’s possible. Your support sustains no-cut athletics, dedicated coaches, and the culture of belonging that empowers students to grow as athletes, leaders, and generous members of our community.
This year, as we reflect on what it means to be generous, your gift to the U Fund ensures that University High School continues to be a place where students are taken seriously, encouraged to ask big questions, and supported in every aspect of their growth. Please consider a gift to the U Fund today.
