University of Delaware Athletics

Philanthropy Week Feature: Willy Miranda
11/18/2021 1:30:00 PM | Delaware Athletics
"We give so others can succeed." – Willy Miranda
Willy Miranda is a staple in the Newark community and surrounding areas. A Delaware baseball alum, Miranda competed for the Blue Hens in the 70s as a shortstop. His stellar play helped lead Delaware to the College World Series in 1970.
"As a local resident and supporter of this great University, I have been able to see and enjoy the growth of academic programs and athletics," Miranda said.
Before Miranda donned the blue and gold uniform, he resided in Baltimore, Md. and attended Forest High School and Baltimore Junior College. Miranda was inducted into the Old Timers Baseball Association of Maryland Hall of Fame on Nov. 6, 2021. Despite not growing up in the First State, Miranda has been calling it home for quite some time. His UD experience has left a lasting impact not only on him, but on his sister, Rosalia Miranda-Kallivokas, as well.
When asked why he and his family give back to the athletics department and the baseball program, it was a simple answer, "we wanted to establish a legacy for our father, Willy Miranda, Sr. and baseball at Delaware."
Miranda's opportunity to play baseball at UD, allowed for him to further his education. Something very important to him.
"Baseball at the University of Delaware allowed me to continue my education and earn a bachelor's degree which helped me continue to earn other graduate degrees," said Miranda.
More than 40 years after competing for the Blue Hens, Miranda has cherished his moments and friendships that he has made with the university and the community. His passion for UD has grown over the years and has allowed for him to create lasting memories to add to the digital and print photo book.
If you're looking for a reason to donate to Delaware, Miranda has a good answer that can help move the chains.
"The University is a great place to become associated with. There are a lot of activities and programs offered to alumni and residents," Miranda said. "Delaware allows students to enter the world as better citizens to make this world a better place. My coaches and professors showed me the way to success.
Why does Miranda call Delaware home? Easy. "Once a Blue Hen, always a Blue Hen"
Philanthropy Week Quotes
"I've seen over the past twenty years how giving to UD can be transformational. Having the resources to compete at the next level attracts competitive athletes, inspires current athletes to work harder, and helps to justify the long hours of training and coaching that go into building a program. Ultimately putting money on the street (or on the water) can enrich the lives of many student-athletes, much more than sitting in an investment account." - John Williams, Men's Crew Part-Time Coach and Supporter
"I decided to give back to UD Athletics and Delaware Football because of the opportunity it provided for me and the continued opportunities that it will provide for those that come after me." - Jake Giusti '15, Football
"I give to UD athletics to give others an opportunity to play. UD gave me the chance to play two sports that I love. I have great memories of playing and have made lifelong friendships. Hoping others can feel the same." - Elaine Pomian Knobloch '82, Field Hockey, Women's Lacrosse
"We decided to contribute to the field hockey locker fund as our daughter, Morgan, has had such a valuable experience as a student athlete at UD. The life lessons she has experienced have helped to shape her into a confident, responsible young adult. We look forward to the continued success of Delaware athletics and the UD Field Hockey program." - Cory & Ric Rigual
"Having grown up as a Blue Hen fan, it was always a dream of mine to play at Delaware. The experience that I had was all that I expected and then some. This is largely due to the support and generosity of past and present supporters, which drove me to be the best version of myself that I could be. Knowing the positive impact that supporters have had on myself and my teammates, it's important to me that I do my part in giving Blue Hen athletes every opportunity to be successful on and off the field." - Kyle Baker '19 '21, Baseball
Willy Miranda is a staple in the Newark community and surrounding areas. A Delaware baseball alum, Miranda competed for the Blue Hens in the 70s as a shortstop. His stellar play helped lead Delaware to the College World Series in 1970.
"As a local resident and supporter of this great University, I have been able to see and enjoy the growth of academic programs and athletics," Miranda said.
Before Miranda donned the blue and gold uniform, he resided in Baltimore, Md. and attended Forest High School and Baltimore Junior College. Miranda was inducted into the Old Timers Baseball Association of Maryland Hall of Fame on Nov. 6, 2021. Despite not growing up in the First State, Miranda has been calling it home for quite some time. His UD experience has left a lasting impact not only on him, but on his sister, Rosalia Miranda-Kallivokas, as well.
When asked why he and his family give back to the athletics department and the baseball program, it was a simple answer, "we wanted to establish a legacy for our father, Willy Miranda, Sr. and baseball at Delaware."
Miranda's opportunity to play baseball at UD, allowed for him to further his education. Something very important to him.
"Baseball at the University of Delaware allowed me to continue my education and earn a bachelor's degree which helped me continue to earn other graduate degrees," said Miranda.
More than 40 years after competing for the Blue Hens, Miranda has cherished his moments and friendships that he has made with the university and the community. His passion for UD has grown over the years and has allowed for him to create lasting memories to add to the digital and print photo book.
If you're looking for a reason to donate to Delaware, Miranda has a good answer that can help move the chains.
"The University is a great place to become associated with. There are a lot of activities and programs offered to alumni and residents," Miranda said. "Delaware allows students to enter the world as better citizens to make this world a better place. My coaches and professors showed me the way to success.
Why does Miranda call Delaware home? Easy. "Once a Blue Hen, always a Blue Hen"
Philanthropy Week Quotes
"I've seen over the past twenty years how giving to UD can be transformational. Having the resources to compete at the next level attracts competitive athletes, inspires current athletes to work harder, and helps to justify the long hours of training and coaching that go into building a program. Ultimately putting money on the street (or on the water) can enrich the lives of many student-athletes, much more than sitting in an investment account." - John Williams, Men's Crew Part-Time Coach and Supporter
"I decided to give back to UD Athletics and Delaware Football because of the opportunity it provided for me and the continued opportunities that it will provide for those that come after me." - Jake Giusti '15, Football
"I give to UD athletics to give others an opportunity to play. UD gave me the chance to play two sports that I love. I have great memories of playing and have made lifelong friendships. Hoping others can feel the same." - Elaine Pomian Knobloch '82, Field Hockey, Women's Lacrosse
"We decided to contribute to the field hockey locker fund as our daughter, Morgan, has had such a valuable experience as a student athlete at UD. The life lessons she has experienced have helped to shape her into a confident, responsible young adult. We look forward to the continued success of Delaware athletics and the UD Field Hockey program." - Cory & Ric Rigual
"Having grown up as a Blue Hen fan, it was always a dream of mine to play at Delaware. The experience that I had was all that I expected and then some. This is largely due to the support and generosity of past and present supporters, which drove me to be the best version of myself that I could be. Knowing the positive impact that supporters have had on myself and my teammates, it's important to me that I do my part in giving Blue Hen athletes every opportunity to be successful on and off the field." - Kyle Baker '19 '21, Baseball
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