Despite living in New York City for the past five years, true fans Kevin Solomon ’14 (BUS), Jeremy Longobardi ’12 (BUS), and Kevin Kortsep ’12 (BUS) have made it a mission to keep supporting UConn Nation.

Being too far afield to attend most games gave the trio the idea for Husky Ticket Project, their NYC nonprofit that provides free UConn football and basketball tickets to deserving young fans while also providing support and revenue to UConn Athletics.

“In 2007, I went to a USF vs. UConn football game while I was still in high school. I was sitting in the rain, but eventually it cleared up and UConn won. My buddy and I ran to the field and in that moment, I felt like a true Husky,” says Kortsep. “I want to re-create that experience for as many kids as possible.”

In just its first year, Husky Ticket Project raised $6,000 and sent more than 500 lucky kids and chaperones to games. Through a partnership with Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Luke Williams and his “little brother” Tristen from Meriden, Connecticut (pictured above), were two of the many ticket recipients. Tristen is a die-hard sports fan, and attending his first UConn game was an eye-opening experience, says Williams. “Being surrounded by blue skies, players, and cheering crowds at Rentschler Field really helped Tristen open up and realize we don’t need to travel far to have these kinds of experiences.”