JOPLIN, Mo. – Missouri Southern Athletics was one of 16 NCAA Division II institutions selected to host a Make-A-Wish experience following the division's 2025-26 fundraising efforts and the only full-time Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) member institution selected.
 
The Lions helped make seven-year-old Caleb's wish to visit Walt Disney World come true during the 2026 football home opener.
 
Prior to kickoff, against Upper Iowa on Sept. 5 at Fred G. Hughes Stadium, Missouri Southern Athletics celebrated Caleb and his family as part of a special day centered on granting his wish. The experience provided Caleb with something exciting to look forward to as he and his family navigate the challenges of his medical journey.
 
NCAA Division II raised more than $270,000 to support Make-A-Wish during the 2025-26 academic year. Of that total, $221,420 came from Division II schools and conferences, while $51,451 came from the Division's championships and enforcement fine allocation.
 
Since 2003, NCAA Division II members have donated more than $7 million to Make-A-Wish, helping grant more than 700 wishes for children with critical illnesses.
 
The partnership reflects Division II's commitment to balancing academics, athletics and community engagement while making a positive impact beyond competition.
 
"As NCAA Division II student-athletes, we emphasize the life-in-the-balance philosophy among college academics, athletics and community outreach," said Rachel McCool, Ashland women's soccer student-athlete and current national chair for the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
 
"It is fundamental to give back and to serve the communities that continue to support college athletics. As an official Division II partner, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has been an integral part of the development of student-athletes. We see the amazing impact that this foundation has on the families it serves."
 
Augustana (South Dakota) led all Division II institutions in fundraising for the second consecutive year, raising $32,000. Fairmont State followed with $23,000, while Gannon raised $13,483.
 
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference led all conferences, with its member institutions raising more than $53,000. The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference ranked second with $44,636.
 
 
NCAA Division II Schools earning wish experiences:  
•               Anderson (South Carolina)
•               Augustana (South Dakota) 
•               Belmont Abbey
•               Edinboro
•               Fairmont State 
•               Findlay
•               Gannon  
•               Kentucky Wesleyan
•               Millersville
•               Minnesota State Mankato
•               Missouri Southern
•               North Georgia
•               Northern Michigan   
•               Walsh
•               Wayne State (Nebraska)
•               West Chester