Leveling the Playing Field: Supporting Student-Athletes Where It Matters Most
Moved by the care and commitment of CSM’s athletic staff, Mike Hahn’s donation to CSM Athletics models how local giving creates immediate impact
September 30th, 2025
Written by Mila Yoch
College of San Mateo Softball - Coached by Nicole Quigley-Borg
When Mike Hahn retired from Microsoft in 2023 after three decades in tech, he didn’t slow down; instead, he signed up for a science class at the College of San Mateo (CSM).
“I realized that CSM offered classes I never thought about before,” he said. “Most people don’t know how easy it is to enroll. My wife signed up in a day.”
What began as curiosity turned into a full-fledged academic journey. Over the past few years, Mike has taken more than 16 classes at CSM, exploring everything from photography and astronomy to Spanish and weightlifting.
“I’m a lifelong learner,” he said. “It’s easy for me to learn something and then teach it to someone ten minutes later.”
His connection to CSM deepened through athletic classes—particularly weightlifting and swimming—where he was welcomed by Coaches Nicole Quigley-Borg (Softball) and Andrew Silva (Men’s and Women’s Water Polo and Swimming). Both teach on-campus courses outside their coaching roles, with Quigley-Borg leading weightlifting and Silva instructing swimming. Through candid conversations in and around class, Mike gained a deeper appreciation for the dedication of CSM’s coaching staff and the many ways they go above and beyond to support their student-athletes.
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Moved by the coaches’ commitment and the reality of high-performing community college teams, Mike and his wife, Debbie, decided to donate. The impact was immediate.
“Coach Silva took me aside—he was emotional,” he recalled. “He told his team that you never know what a respectful interaction can lead to.”
Across the San Mateo County Community College District (District), coaches consistently demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their teams both on and off the field.
There are 29 teams: eight at Skyline, six at Cañada College, and 15 at CSM. The District is deeply committed to student success—academically, athletically, and personally.
“At CSM, our athletics programs offer deep support, guidance, and community for our scholar athletes,” said Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez, President at CSM. “Our coaches are top-notch and really dedicate their full selves to lifting up our students in a way that honors their backgrounds, shared experiences, and highest potential.”
The District's financial investment ensures that essential needs are met, from transportation and lodging for away games to game-day equipment and apparel. This foundational support allows our college teams to compete at the highest levels and distinguishes them among California’s community colleges.
“Athletics are fortunate to have a district that prioritizes and celebrates our student-athletes. This level of support has been a key factor in building the strong and highly competitive athletic programs we are proud to offer today,” said Jacqueline Pigozzi Madigan, Assistant Athletic Director at CSM.
To further enrich the student experience, coaches often lead fundraising efforts that provide additional resources—such as nutritious meals between classes and games, or extra practice gear to ensure every athlete is fully equipped.
In some cases, fundraisers have supported travel for extra practice games against Southern California opponents, giving student-athletes the competitive edge they need for postseason success. For example, over the past five years, the softball team has regularly traveled south to face top-tier programs, a type of preparation that helped propel them to 3C2A State Championship titles in both 2022 and 2025.
“The Hahn family’s generosity has provided opportunities for our student-athletes that exceed what our annual fundraising could achieve alone,” Coach Quigly-Borg explained. “Their support is a wonderful reminder to our players that their community stands behind them and recognizes their dedication to both academic and athletic success. We are incredibly appreciative of their selfless support.”
The immediate impact, as well as the appreciation of his gift and the ease of giving, stayed with Mike, reinforcing the ethos behind his decision to support CSM Athletics rather than his alma mater.
“Stanford and Cornell have massive endowments. My money would get lost there. But here, even a small donation can make a real mark.”
When asked what he’d say to other potential donors, his answer was simple and powerful:
“The state covers tuition, but there are so many other little expenses—transportation, food, gear. People need to understand that their support fills the gaps we can’t see. This is not just about education; it’s about providing opportunity.”