WINGATE, N.C. – Thanks to a $1.16 million gift from an anonymous alumni donor, Wingate University will build a new indoor practice facility for its baseball and softball programs.

The 8,000 square foot facility will feature space for hitting and pitching development plus a full indoor training space. Construction is set to begin by early fall and conclude by early 2023.

"Wingate's baseball and softball programs feature tremendous student-athletes and staff as both achieve conference, regional and national prominence," said Kelley Kish, Director of Athletics. "As we look to lead the way in Division II, the investment in facilities and infrastructure is necessary and recognized. We are thankful for our anonymous alumni and their commitment to provide an enhanced and unmatched student-athlete experience for our baseball and softball programs with this gift."

"This is a tremendous addition to our program," said Jeff Gregory, head baseball coach. "I am truly excited for our current student-athletes and our future student-athletes that will now have a state of the art facility in which to train. I take a lot of pride in the development of the people in our program, and I am truly grateful to have a facility such as this to enhance that development. I am thankful for the continued support of Wingate Baseball and our athletics programs."

"This facility will be a tremendous enhancement to the student-athlete experience here at Wingate," said Jamie Stanclift, head softball coach. "To have a place like this to train, teach, and develop our student-athletes is such an invaluable resource and a competitive advantage. Our program is truly grateful and appreciative of the support and opportunities afforded to us to continue developing champions on the field and off."

The new facility will be located adjacent to the Woodall Sports Medicine Complex.

Wingate University
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a laboratory of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina. Wingate offers 37 undergraduate majors as well as eight master's and five doctoral degrees. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences; the Levine College of Health Sciences; the Byrum School of Business; and the College of Professional Studies, which includes the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences.
 
Wingate is a leader in healthcare education, and nearly one in five Wingate undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 24 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award for 13 years straight. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.