Lester Family Commits $6 Million Gift in Support of Michigan Football
6/26/2025 10:00:00 AM | Football
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan Athletics announced on Thursday (June 26) a $6 million gift from Matthew and Nicole Lester in support of capital costs associated with the newly renovated and expanded football locker room in Schembechler Hall. Ten percent of the gift will be designated specifically to ongoing maintenance requirements and long-term infrastructure needs.
"Matt and Nicole Lester have been nothing short of extraordinary in their unwavering support of our student-athletes, and our gratitude for their generosity knows no bounds," said Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. "Their profound understanding of the transformative power of unique experiences and the indelible impact they can have on a young person's life is truly inspiring."
The Lesters wish to recognize the 2023 national champion football team by naming the new lounge area The Team 144 Players Lounge established by the Matthew and Nicole Lester Family. They will also officially name the barbershop Mike's Barbershop, after two-time team captain and 2023 All-American defensive back Mike Sainristil.
"Our gift honors the 2023 national championship team, Team 144," Matt Lester explained. "To me, Team 144 personified selflessness and brotherhood beyond any measure, and I believe these traits were integral to the undefeated success they achieved on the field. Once the meetings, film sessions, workouts and practices at Schembechler Hall are over, it is my hope that the players lounge will provide a space for future teams to relax and for the players to develop the connection and camaraderie necessary to win championships.
"We are extremely pleased to build a first-class barbershop in Schembechler Hall. There is nothing more relaxing than a shave and a haircut, and there was no one on Team 144 who was more clean-shaven, stylish or well-groomed than the two-time captain Mike Sainristil. I know the young men who play football for the University of Michigan will value the convenience and the service of a barbershop, and it is a way to honor Mike Sainristil's legacy of leadership, commitment and care that he delivered every day as a Michigan Wolverine, both on and off the field."
"The Lester Family holds a special place in the hearts of myself and many of my teammates," said Sainristil, an All-American and captain of the 2023 national championship team. "I'm deeply humbled and honored that the Lesters valued my efforts and daily dedication to the team as well as my sense of style enough to name the barbershop in the locker room after me. During my time at Michigan, I forged a close bond with Matt and his family, and his mentorship in business and life exemplifies what makes our university truly exceptional. I am incredibly fortunate to call Matt a friend."
The Lesters are longtime supporters of Michigan Athletics. The family endowed the Matthew and Nicole Lester Family Defensive Coordinator position in 2017 and made significant contributions to the Stephen M. Ross Facilities Project during the University's previous campaign, Victors for Michigan.
Through Princeton Management, a real estate property management and development company, Matt offers a summer internship program for U-M football student-athletes. He is also a founding member of the Champions Circle NIL collective specifically for football, and supports men's and women's basketball, swimming and diving, and women's gymnastics through NIL.
The family provides philanthropic support across the University, including the School for Environment and Sustainability, LS&A, the Museum of Art, the University Musical Society and medical school. Matt earned his bachelor's degree from U-M's College of Literature, Science and the Arts in 1987.
