IHSA Partners with Credit Union 1 to Support Student-Athletes

The collaboration aims to enhance the experience at IHSA state championship events and promote financial education for student-athletes.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:23pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life featuring IHSA championship medals, a student-athlete's jersey, and a piggy bank, symbolizing the collaboration between the IHSA and Credit Union 1 to support the financial futures of student-athletes.A partnership between the IHSA and Credit Union 1 aims to empower student-athletes with financial education and resources.Bloomington Today

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has announced a new partnership with Credit Union 1, one of the largest credit unions serving Illinois residents. Through this collaboration, Credit Union 1 will support IHSA student-athletes and member schools, while helping to enhance the experience at IHSA State Final events. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to education, community involvement, and empowering the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.

Why it matters

The IHSA oversees state championship competitions for more than 800 member high schools and supports hundreds of thousands of student participants each year across Illinois. This partnership with Credit Union 1 will provide new opportunities to connect with students, families, and communities across the state, while also promoting financial education and wellness for student-athletes.

The details

As part of the agreement, Credit Union 1 will receive brand integration across IHSA championship events and digital platforms, along with opportunities to engage fans and student-athletes through unique activations and experiences. Credit Union 1 has a strong reputation for supporting communities across Illinois and is committed to financial education, community engagement, and supporting youth initiatives.

  • The partnership was announced on April 10, 2026.

The players

IHSA

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is a private, not-for-profit organization with more than 800 member high schools in Illinois. The IHSA's mission is to enrich the educational experience of over 400,000 high school students through participation in over 40 sports and activities.

Credit Union 1

Credit Union 1 is one of the largest credit unions serving Illinois residents. The credit union has a strong commitment to financial education, community engagement, and supporting youth initiatives.

Craig Anderson

IHSA Executive Director

Todd Gunderson

President and CEO of Credit Union 1

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to welcome Credit Union 1 to the IHSA family. Credit Union 1 has a strong reputation for supporting communities across Illinois, and their commitment to students and education aligns perfectly with the mission of the IHSA.”

— Craig Anderson, IHSA Executive Director

“Credit Union 1 is proud to support hard-working student-athletes affiliated with the IHSA, who are leaders both in athletics and in their communities. Through our financial wellness tools, best-in-class banking products, and easy-to-access technology, Credit Union 1 offers the resources to help student-athletes establish a strong financial foundation for their futures early, when it is most important. We also look forward to supporting families of these student-athletes with the tools to reach their financial goals.”

— Todd Gunderson, President and CEO of Credit Union 1

What’s next

The partnership will be in effect starting with the 2026-2027 IHSA athletic season, with Credit Union 1 receiving brand integration and engagement opportunities at IHSA championship events and digital platforms.

The takeaway

This partnership between the IHSA and Credit Union 1 demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting student-athletes and their communities, while also promoting financial education and wellness. The collaboration will provide new resources and experiences for IHSA participants, helping to enrich their educational journeys both on and off the field.