Westphal Athletic Fund
Invest in the Next Generation of Firestorm Student-Athletes
The Westphal Athletic Fund honors Paul Westphal for his commitment to the spiritual, educational, and athletic success of student-athletes at Arizona Christian University.
Become a MemberPride in Our Student-Athletes
We all take great pride in the student-athletes who represent our University, and it’s our goal to ensure their success in the classroom, in competition, and in the community.
The benefits for students involved in athletics at ACU are far-reaching. Teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, physical endurance, commitment, time management, and spiritual and emotional health are just a few of the growth opportunities during the college years. A student-athlete learns to represent the institution by being loyal to teammates, dependable, and responsible. The Westphal name epitomizes these traits.
Westphal Fund members help our coaches find the next generation of talented student-athletes. In order to effectively compete for championships, students (and parents) must know that Arizona Christian University is committed to their growth as young men and women, students, and athletes. The dedicated financial and program support for these priorities can often become the pivotal factor in determining which institution they choose. Your support not only helps us compete to win today, but puts us in position to recruit the strongest Christian athletes for the future.
Your Support Makes a Difference
Academic Success
Fund academic support services, tutoring, and study resources that help student-athletes excel in the classroom while competing at a high level.
Athletic Excellence
Provide resources for training equipment, travel, facilities, and coaching staff that give our Firestorm athletes a competitive edge.
Community Engagement
Support student-athlete involvement in local service projects, mentoring, and outreach that reflect the character of ACU.
Recruiting the Best
Help our coaches attract and recruit talented Christian student-athletes who will strengthen both our teams and our campus community.
Membership Levels
Choose the membership level that fits your commitment to Firestorm Athletics.
Insider
Annual Gift
- Two free tickets to any Firestorm Athletic home game
- Access to Westphal Fund hospitality area (at home football games)
- An invitation for two to attend the annual Westphal Athletic Awards Gala
- Acknowledgement as a Westphal Athletic Fund Member on the Firestorm Athletics website
Elite
Annual Gift
- Four free tickets to any Firestorm Athletic home game
- Access to football hospitality tent (when available)
- One complimentary drink to be used at the Tower Grill
- An invitation for four to attend the annual Westphal Athletic Awards Gala
- Acknowledgement as a Westphal Athletic Fund Member on the Firestorm Athletics website
VIP
Annual Gift
- Four free tickets to any Firestorm Athletic home game
- Access to football hospitality tent (when available)
- One complimentary drink to be used at the Tower Grill
- One complimentary meal to be used at the Tower Grill
- A uniquely tailored game day experience
- An invitation for four to attend the annual Westphal Athletic Awards Gala
- Acknowledgement as a Westphal Athletic Fund Member on the Firestorm Athletics website
- An ACU Firestorm polo
An Arizona Legend
Paul Westphal
Born in Torrance, Calif., Paul Westphal was the 1968 California Interscholastic Federation Player of the Year as a senior at Aviation High School in Redondo Beach. He played three seasons at USC, earning All-Pac-10 honors in all three, including two First Team selections. He helped lead the Trojans to a 24–2 mark in 1971. USC retired Westphal’s jersey number 25 and inducted him into their Athletic Hall of Fame on May 17, 1997.
He was the 10th overall pick in the 1972 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. After three seasons in Boston, including a championship ring in 1974, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. In 1976, Westphal helped the Suns reach their first-ever Finals appearance, where they played the Celtics. Some have deemed Game 5 of that series as the greatest game ever played in basketball. In addition to being a five-time All-Star selection from 1977 to 1981, Westphal earned three All-NBA First Team selections and one Second Team honor.
He returned to the Finals in 1993 as head coach of the Phoenix Suns. He began his coaching career in 1985 with Southwestern Baptist Bible College, now Arizona Christian University, where he compiled a 21–9 record. He went on to coach with the Seattle Supersonics, Pepperdine University, Dallas Mavericks, and Sacramento Kings, and has served as an executive of basketball operations and as a studio analyst for Fox Sports Net.
Ready to Back Firestorm Athletics?
Every membership makes a direct impact on our student-athletes' success in the classroom, in competition, and in the community.
Join the Westphal FundQuestions? Contact Dr. Peter T. Dryer, Director of Athletics
