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Newsstand: Michigan athletics announces large donation for football facilities

clayton-sayfieby: Clayton Sayfie06/27/25CSayf23

Tweets Of The Day

Michigan athletics announced that the Lester Family donated $6 million for the newly renovated and expanded football locker room in Schembechler Hall.

From a Michigan press release:
“Matt and Nicole Lester have been nothing short of extraordinary in their unwavering support of our student-athletes, and our gratitude for their generosity knows no bounds,” said Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. “Their profound understanding of the transformative power of unique experiences and the indelible impact they can have on a young person’s life is truly inspiring.”

The Lesters wish to recognize the 2023 national champion football team by naming the new lounge area The Team 144 Players Lounge established by the Matthew and Nicole Lester Family. They will also officially name the barbershop Mike’s Barbershop, after two-time team captain and 2023 All-American defensive back Mike Sainristil.

“Our gift honors the 2023 national championship team, Team 144,” Matt Lester explained. “To me, Team 144 personified selflessness and brotherhood beyond any measure, and I believe these traits were integral to the undefeated success they achieved on the field. Once the meetings, film sessions, workouts and practices at Schembechler Hall are over, it is my hope that the players lounge will provide a space for future teams to relax and for the players to develop the connection and camaraderie necessary to win championships.

“We are extremely pleased to build a first-class barbershop in Schembechler Hall. There is nothing more relaxing than a shave and a haircut, and there was no one on Team 144 who was more clean-shaven, stylish or well-groomed than the two-time captain Mike Sainristil. I know the young men who play football for the University of Michigan will value the convenience and the service of a barbershop, and it is a way to honor Mike Sainristil’s legacy of leadership, commitment and care that he delivered every day as a Michigan Wolverine, both on and off the field.”

“The Lester Family holds a special place in the hearts of myself and many of my teammates,” said Sainristil, an All-American and captain of the 2023 national championship team. “I’m deeply humbled and honored that the Lesters valued my efforts and daily dedication to the team as well as my sense of style enough to name the barbershop in the locker room after me. During my time at Michigan, I forged a close bond with Matt and his family, and his mentorship in business and life exemplifies what makes our university truly exceptional. I am incredibly fortunate to call Matt a friend.”

Michigan center Vladislav Goldin has signed a two-way contract with the Miami Heat following the 2025 NBA Draft.

Danny Wolf was interviewed by ESPN Wednesday night following his selection at No. 27 overall to the Brooklyn Nets.

Quote Of The Day

“Experience in winning,” Miskdeen said of why this roster has upside. “You bring in [UCLA center transfer] Aday Mara and [Illinois forward transfer] Morez Johnson [Jr.] and [North Carolina point guard transfer] Elliot Cadeau — those guys have all won and experienced NCAA Tournaments. It’s the same recipe as last year, bringing in guys that have won before and have played at a level in the Big Ten that they’re gonna be familiar with. And then we were able to retain some key pieces that won throughout their careers and won last year, so it’ll be a little bit easier this season when the new guys walk into the locker room. The older guys that were here can tell them what to expect from our coaching staff and what they can expect from our culture.”

— Michigan assistant coach Akeem Miskdeen on why optimism is high for the Wolverines in 2025-26

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