Matt, Sonja Russell Step Up As Scholarship Donors For Buffs

BOULDER — When it comes to lifetime impact, the University of Colorado no doubt left an indelible stamp on Matt and Sonja Russell.

Both were standout athletes at Colorado. Matt was an All-American and Butkus Award-winning linebacker for the Buffs in the mid 1990s; Sonja (Nielsen) was a first-team All-Big 12 volleyball player for Colorado who played from 1998-2001. They met in Boulder, were married when Sonja was still playing for the Buffs, earned their degrees from CU, and have stayed in close touch with all things Buffaloes ever since.

Now, they want to extend a similar opportunity for more Colorado student-athletes. The two have made the decision to become scholarship donors to CU Athletics, helping pave the way for another generation of Buffaloes.

"It's always been in our hearts that someday when we were in a position to do it, we wanted to become scholarship donors," said Matt, who now works as the Denver Broncos' Director of Player Personnel. "To me, it's really a privilege and an honor to provide another student-athlete the opportunity to have the experience we had at a place that's so special to us. Someone did it for us, and it became the foundation for our futures."

For Sonja, the opportunity to become a donor means helping more Buffs student-athletes enjoy not only the scholarship and financial assistance, but also the opportunity to have a "family" in the area.

"I had great scholarship donors when I was at CU," Sonja said. "They hosted us at their house for the holidays for dinner, things like that. They kind of provided a home away from home. They really helped me not only with sports, but they gave me a feeling of family and helped me with networking later in life. They had a huge impact on my life in a lot of ways."

Colorado Athletic Director Rick George said the support of former student-athletes is an integral part of CU Athletics.

We are very grateful for Matt and Sonja's gift," George said. "Having former student-athletes support current student-athletes in this way is extremely important to our long term success. It is no doubt a cornerstone of our foundation as we continue to make CU Athletics a world-class experience for every student-athlete, and we are thankful for Matt and Sonja's support."

CU and Boulder have always been special to Matt because the community became his adopted "home." Growing up in a military family, he moved regularly. While he called that experience an "awesome chance to see the world," he never really had a place he could call his hometown — until he came to CU and Boulder.

"When I got to Boulder, I kind of claimed it as my own," he said with a laugh. "Since Day One, I have loved the University of Colorado. I've told people over and over again that if I had the decision to make again, I would do exactly the same thing."

The area has indeed become home for Russell and his family. His parents moved near Boulder and still live there, and his brother, Randy, and his family live in Fort Collins. Randy's son, Brady, is a sophomore tight end for the Buffs.

"The ripple effect that going to Colorado created has been huge," Matt said. "It's hard to imagine something having any bigger impact on my life."

CU Assistant AD for Development Scott McMichael said it is always special to see former student-athletes give back to the school.

"It has been a real pleasure getting know and working with Matt and Sonja," McMichael said. "Having two of our prominent former student-athletes telling their stories and giving back to their University is truly special. We want all of our former student-athletes to feel that they are all part of the Buff family and to be engaged however possible."

The Russells have stayed in close touch with CU Athletics through the years, attending games, events and functions whenever possible. Those moments also offer opportunities for them to reflect on their years in Boulder and realize how much their time at CU influenced their futures.

"Someone footed the bill for me and someone footed the bill for Sonja and gave us these wonderful opportunities," Matt said "Now it's something we consider a real privilege and honor to do for more kids."

Both expressed hope their decision might offer inspiration for other former student-athletes to contribute to CU Athletics in whatever way possible.

"I think however Buffs can give back — whether it's volunteering, donating, season tickets — is great," Sonja said. "Whatever people can do to stay involved is what makes the university great. We're excited about being able to help more student-athletes have the opportunities we had."

Added Matt: "The bottom line is Sonja and I want to give back to a place that we love."

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu