UNI approved to plan court sports training facility
UNI received permission from the Iowa Board of Regents to begin planning a court sports training facility for the Panthers men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as UNI’s volleyball team. This complex will provide a dedicated practice space to these programs that currently share court time at the McLeod Center and UNI’s Wellness and Recreation Center.
Fundraising Goals
This new facility will meet the existing and anticipated future needs of three of UNI’s most visible and successful Missouri Valley Conference athletic programs, providing practice courts, along with locker rooms, a training room and rehabilitation area. UNI and experienced architects will collaborate on potential concepts that align with projected fundraising targets for the project.
“Several UNI alums and donors have recently stepped forward expressing interest in providing financial support for a court sports training facility,” said President Mark Nook. “The enthusiasm for this initiative and the approval of the Regents has brought us to a point where we can proceed with conceptual planning for a court sports training facility. With those commitments in hands, we are excited to move forward."
What the head coaches are saying
Men’s Basketball
“We have an incredibly passionate, loyal and generous group of donors who have made a very substantial investment in this project. Our players and staff appreciate the continued support of these individuals who have been integral to helping sustain the high standards we have for UNI Basketball.”
— Ben Jacobson
Volleyball
“The lifelong relationships that we have developed with our student-athletes is such a fulfilling part of the role I enjoy at my alma mater. The lessons learned in the classroom and on the court serve as part of the uniquely transformative experience that being a student-athlete at UNI provides.”
— Bobbi Petersen
Women’s Basketball
“This facility will attract more talented individuals to UNI and will make it more convenient for all three programs to train and practice. But more importantly, this facility is another tangible signal that UNI is committed to supporting the young men and women who display their passion and pride for the Panthers on a daily basis.”
— Tanya Warren