Plona, Martens contribute $200,000 to WKU gift match
Published 12:56 pm Thursday, October 29, 2026
Western Kentucky head coach Hank Plona speaks to his team during an open practice at E.A. Diddle Arena.
(WKU ATHLETICS)
Western Kentucky has announced a combined $200,000 matching gift commitment for the WKU men’s basketball program from Hilltoppers head coach Hank Plona and Hilltopper Athletic Foundation members Jim and Eva Martens.
Plona and the Martens have each committed up to $100,000 to match gifts supporting Hilltopper basketball through Feb. 28, 2027. The commitments provide fans, alumni and supporters an opportunity to join them in investing in the program’s future.
Supporters are encouraged to make a gift during the campaign to help unlock the available matching funds and provide additional support for Hilltopper basketball.
“We want them to be as comfortable as they can be and we try to take care of them all whether that’s NIL, whether that’s travel, whether that’s day to day,” Plona said of his players. “We try to take care of these young men in the best way that we can and above and beyond – as elite as possible. That’s important to me. I really believe in what we’re doing here. I’m super appreciative to every single person that has stepped up that we have asked for help. I felt like obviously we’re at a point especially with this group of young men that I just wanted to show my commitment and belief in who these guys are and our community and what we’re doing. It just felt like the right thing at the right time to do.
“Obviously the Martens family has gone above and beyond, not just for WKU basketball but for all of athletics for the university as a whole.”
Gifts can be made through the online giving form or online. To make a gift or learn more about the matching opportunity, contact the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation at 270-745-5321 or HAF@wku.edu.
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Fans can follow the campaign’s progress toward its $200,000 goal by visiting wkusports.com/sports/mens- basketball and clicking under “More Links.” The page will feature updated fundraising totals.
The Hilltoppers open the 2026-27 season hosting Morehead State on Monday. Tipoff at E.A. Diddle Arena is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., with the game streaming live on ESPN+.
