Athens, GA — In a gesture that further cements his legacy at the University of Georgia, head football coach Kirby Smart has donated $1 million to UGA Athletics, earmarked for facility enhancements and expanded mental health resources for student-athletes across all sports.
The announcement, made Monday by the UGA Athletic Association, underscores Smart’s deep commitment not only to the success of Georgia’s athletic programs on the field but also to the well-being of the students who represent the Red and Black.
“This university has given so much to me, my family, and my career,” Smart said in a statement. “It’s important to invest in the people and places that shape lives far beyond game day. We win championships with strength and strategy, yes—but also with heart, health, and a culture that supports every part of the student-athlete.”
Smart’s donation will be divided between two key areas: upgrading existing athletic facilities and expanding access to mental health services for UGA athletes. A portion will go toward improvements at the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, including enhanced training and recovery areas, while the remainder will help bolster mental wellness programming—such as counseling, education, and peer support groups—through UGA’s Sports Medicine Department.
J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks praised the donation as “a reflection of Kirby’s leadership and vision,” calling the initiative “one of the most meaningful contributions in recent history.”
“Kirby understands that winning is about more than points on the board,” Brooks said. “It’s about supporting the full journey of our athletes—their physical health, their mental resilience, and their future beyond sports. This gift directly strengthens that mission.”
Mental health has increasingly become a focal point in college athletics nationwide, as student-athletes face growing pressures both on and off the field. Smart, a former UGA player himself, has long been vocal about the importance of supporting players holistically.
“Coaches talk about toughness all the time, but true toughness includes the courage to ask for help,” Smart said. “We’ve got to remove the stigma and give these young men and women the tools they need to thrive—not just survive.”
The news of Smart’s donation quickly spread across social media, with current and former Bulldogs expressing gratitude and admiration. Former quarterback Stetson Bennett tweeted, “Coach Smart leads with purpose. Proud to have played for a man who puts people first.”
This isn’t Smart’s first philanthropic gesture. Alongside his wife, Mary Beth, he helped launch the Kirby Smart Family Foundation, which supports causes ranging from children’s education to food insecurity across Georgia.
Entering his ninth season at the helm, Smart has transformed Georgia into a national powerhouse, delivering two national championships, multiple SEC titles, and an unmatched recruiting pipeline. But with this donation, he’s once again proven that his vision goes far beyond the scoreboard.
“This is about legacy,” Smart said. “And my legacy isn’t just wins—it’s about doing what’s right for our student-athletes, for our university, and for the future of Georgia athletics.”
