Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton marked a major milestone for its growing athletic program on Oct. 23 with a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Chaney Athletics Complex. The $30 million, 35,000‑square‑foot facility will sit beside the university’s Pioneer Soccer Park and is slated to begin construction in spring 2027, with completion expected by the close of 2028.
What the complex will include
The new complex will house a state‑of‑the‑art practice gym, modern locker rooms, a fully equipped weight room, a sports‑medicine clinic, batting cages, coaches’ offices and flexible meeting spaces. These amenities are designed to support TWU’s expanding roster of varsity teams, which has grown from five to nine sports over the past six years.
Generous donor support drives the project
Funding for the complex was jump‑started earlier this year with a $10 million gift from Dawn S. Chaney, a TWU alumna who excelled as a three‑sport student‑athlete and earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in kinesiology from the university. Chaney’s contribution reflects a broader tradition of alumni giving that is essential to TWU athletics, as the university does not levy a dedicated, student‑supported athletics fee and state taxpayer money cannot be used for athletics programs or scholarships, according to Chancellor Carine Feyton.
“When we give back, we help the millions and millions who will come after us,” Chaney said at the ceremony, underscoring the long‑term impact of private support for student‑athletes.
Addressing space shortages and future growth
TWU’s Pioneer Athletics has experienced rapid growth, prompting the need for additional facilities. Over the past six years, the university has more than doubled its student‑athlete population. Executive Director of Athletics Sandee Mott explained that the new complex will not only alleviate current space constraints but also provide coaches with better resources to build successful programs and attract prospective talent.
“We are not building this complex simply to solve today’s space problems; we are building it because we believe in where TWU Athletics is going,” Mott said.
Donations nearing the funding goal
To date, donations have reached $20.5 million, covering more than two‑thirds of the projected cost. The university continues to seek contributions from alumni, friends of the university and community partners to fully fund the project.
Impact on the Denton community
The Chaney Athletics Complex is expected to become a hub for local sports events, youth clinics and community health initiatives, reinforcing TWU’s role as a civic partner in Denton. By expanding athletic facilities, the university aims to enhance student life, promote healthy lifestyles and generate economic activity through construction jobs and future events.
With construction set to begin next spring, TWU’s leadership and donors are optimistic that the complex will stand as a testament to the power of private generosity and the university’s commitment to excellence in athletics and student development.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Denton — read the source article.
