ARLINGTON, Texas -- Following the construction of the state-of-the-art College Park Center and major enhancements to the University's baseball and softball facilities, one of UTA's longest-standing athletic facilities recently received a significant facelift.

Through generous gifts from a pair of anonymous donors that totaled $225,000 and a gift-in-kind from longtime partner and Maverick Club member LBL Architects, the Gilstrap Athletic Center received a number of upgrades that provided significant enhancements for the UTA golf, tennis and track and field programs.

"Over the last several years, through the generosity of our loyal donors and Maverick Club members, the University has made major investment into the success of our athletics program," said Director of Athletics Jim Baker. "The construction of College Park Center five years ago, the renovation and expansion of the baseball and softball facilities and, now, the modernization of Gilstrap Athletic Center show the University's commitment to excellence.

"We are extremely grateful for the support we received for this project, as well as those that continue to provide enhanced resources for our student-athletes. Collectively, our teams produce some great accomplishments and we look forward to continuing to provide each of them with the tools they need to excel."

The most eye-catching aspect of the approximately $325,000 project is the creation of The Nancy Baker Golf Clubhouse, a 2,017-square-foot facility that includes lounge and meeting space for the men and women's golf teams, a state-of-the-art TrackMan swing analysis system, a hitting area and an indoor putting green. The facility also includes coaches' offices and outdoor training areas, including a chipping green and hitting range.

Located on the west side of the 12,000-seat Maverick Stadium, the 9,000-square-foot Gilstrap Athletic Center received a complete overhaul of the entrance, lobby and academic areas, new carpet and flooring, storage areas and finishings, renovated office spaces, meetings areas and lounge space for the Mavericks' men and women's track and field and cross country teams.

In addition to private donations, LBL Architects provided architectural renderings and design of the golf clubhouse, track and field lounge and office spaces. Branding displays and upgrades in the Gilstrap Athletic Center bring the facility in line with those displayed in the College Park Center, Allan Saxe Field and Clay Gould Ballpark.

"It is important that every student-athlete feels confident that we are making significant investments into each of our 15 intercollegiate sport programs," said Baker. "Our ultimate goal is to provide our student-athletes and coaches with the resources needed to be successful in competition, in the classroom and in life.

"Continued investment into our facilities in critical to the long-term success of our athletics program."

The Maverick Club helps provide financial resources to UTA's intercollegiate sport programs in the form of scholarships, academic support, facility improvements and other program enhancements. In addition, membership in the Maverick Club enhances student-athlete, alumni and donor experiences through a variety of department and sport program events and gatherings.

For more information on the Maverick Club, contact assistant athletic director Kris Wood or athletics development coordinator Danielle Sanders.