Sharon and Marc Hagle, noted commercial developers, philanthropists and astronauts of Winter Park, Florida, have made a pledge commitment of more than $5 million to UCF Athletics. It is the largest cash pledge commitment ever by an individual or couple for UCF Athletics.

As part of the recently announced Mission XII initiative, proceeds from the commitment will help transform the UCF football campus as it moves into the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023. In recognition of this commitment, the Knights will honor the Hagles by naming the enhanced football campus “The Sharon and Marc Hagle Gateway” pending approval by the UCF Board of Trustees. Design of “The Gateway” project, which will include McNamara Cove, Nicholson Plaza, a VIP Parking Lot and renovated practice fields, will begin soon.

“With a thriving community in Orlando, a bustling Space Coast nearby and one of the largest yet youngest alumni bases in the nation, UCF is well positioned to be a university for the future. Success in intercollegiate athletics is paramount to matching the university’s continued growth. We are thrilled to help the Knights take their next steps into the Big 12. So much has happened for the Knights over the last decade–it is breathtaking to imagine what the future holds for UCF,” says Sharon and Marc Hagle.

Sharon and Marc Hagle are visionaries, always looking to the future with a commitment to provide people with opportunities to excel,” UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright says. “Their leadership and philanthropy extends from Orlando to the stars, from kindergarten to college, and we are honored that they have included UCF in their efforts to foster innovation, discovery and excellence. Their generosity is a reminder of the incredible difference philanthropic investment can make in elevating our national reputation in athletics and academics. UCF is a better place because of Marc and Sharon, and on behalf of our students, student-athletes, faculty, coaches, staff, and alumni, thank you.”

“The Hagles’ commitment is a critical investment in our Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village vision. As we transition into the Big 12 Conference and transform the proposed football campus, it will have a major impact on the daily functions of the lives of our student-athletes, coaches and the university community. Thank you, Sharon and Marc. We know this gift will inspire others to invest in UCF Athletics through the ChargeOn Fund,” says UCF vice president and director of athletics Terry Mohajir.

Gus Malzahn, head football coach of the Knights, adds, “Sharon and Marc dream really big. Their passion for space exploration not only for themselves but also for many future engineers and scientists through their SpaceKids Global initiative will continue to be a game-changer. Their investment in our program will push us to new limits too. I am glad they are on our team.”

UCF will hold a special recognition and presentation at a 2022 home football game to honor the Hagles.

For more information about making a gift in support of Mission XII, please visit www.missionxii.com.