WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The University of Central Missouri Board of Governors approved the construction of a transformational, 19,000-square-foot Diamond Sports Development Facility for the Mules Baseball and Jennies Softball programs during its May 2026 meeting.

Designed by lead architect Collins | Webb Architecture out of Lee's Summit, Mo., the facility will be positioned beyond the left-field fence at Crane Stadium/Tompkins Field. The project is anchored by a transformational anonymous lead gift, alongside generous contributions from Stu & Teera Rogers, Mark & Shea Allen, Gary & DeAnn Abram, Kevin & Jeanette Prenger, Adam & Molly Maddox, and Aaron & Julie Christensen, as well as the broad philanthropic leadership of Mules Baseball and Jennies Softball alumni.

"We are grateful to our Mules Baseball and Jennies Softball alumni and supporters, whose leadership and generosity made this project a reality," UCM Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Matt Howdeshell said. "This state-of-the-art facility is truly transformational for UCM Athletics. By equipping our Mules Baseball and Jennies Softball student-athletes with year-round training capabilities, elite technology, and advanced sports medicine, we are setting a new standard for player development in NCAA Division II and ensuring our programs continue to compete for national championships."

"We are so grateful to our alumni and supporters in the community and all over the country for their support of our program. The opportunity this new facility gives us to live our mission of developing our players into the best versions of themselves on the field of play, in the classroom, and in life as human beings cannot be overstated," Mules Baseball head coach Kyle Crookes said. "Development has been a hallmark of this program over the years, and this facility further cements that commitment to our student athletes, giving us the flexibility to engage in player development regardless of schedules, time of year, weather, and many other factors. Today's announcement is the result of tireless work from our administration, driven by President Roger Best, Stu Rogers, and Matt Howdeshell. We couldn't be more excited." 

"We are extremely excited about the Diamond Sports Development Facility. This elite indoor training facility is going to give our student-athletes the resources and environment for player development when preparing for preseason tournaments and when the weather is bad," Jennies Softball head coach Susan Anderson said. "It will also have a huge impact on the recruiting process. Thank you to all the supporters who invested in this facility - your commitment is impacting and enhancing the daily lives of our Jens."

Designed to elevate the athletic development of Mules Baseball and Jennies Softball student-athletes, the complex combines a full indoor turf infield with flexible, retractable hitting and pitching lanes. The facility establishes a new benchmark for NCAA Division II athletics by integrating several key features:

• Integrated Sports Medicine & Recovery Suite: A dedicated sports medicine space that will house treatment modalities, rehabilitation equipment, and recovery tools designed to mitigate injury risk and accelerate player availability.
• Technology Lab & Performance Suite: A state-of-the-art laboratory powered by elite performance software. The lab will deliver real-time data—tracking swing kinematics, spin rates, release points, and velocity metrics—to craft individualized development plans for every pitcher and hitter.
• Pro-Style Alumni Locker Room & Lounge: A dedicated, high-end locker facility created to serve former Mules returning to train during their professional and post-collegiate offseasons. This space honors the legacy of UCM Athletics while bridging the gap between program legends and current student-athletes.

By fusing sports science with year-round, all-weather training capabilities, this investment further cements Crane Stadium/Tompkins Field as one of the nation's premier destination facilities in NCAA Division II.

"This project is a tremendous collaboration between the coaching staff, alumni, administrative team, donors, and facilities personnel," Sam Collins of Collins | Webb Architecture said. "We were honored to play a small part in such a meaningful legacy project that will have a lasting impact on the development of college athletes. We're excited to see this vision come to life and, most importantly, to see how it supports the training, development, and success of student-athletes for years to come. It will also serve as an incredible recruiting tool for future Mules and Jennies!"

Build the Legacy: How to Support the Project
While foundational gifts from lead alumni have launched this project, additional philanthropic support is essential to bring this facility to full completion. A wide array of naming opportunities and sponsorship levels are available, allowing donors, families, and alumni to make a direct impact on future generations of student-athletes and leave a permanent mark on UCM Athletics. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting initiative, contact Associate Athletic Director Billy Ukrazhenko with the UCM Alumni Foundation at 660-543-4133 or ukrazhenko@ucmo.edu.

About Collins | Webb Architecture
Since 2017, Collins | Webb Architecture has delivered thoughtful, practical, and well-coordinated design solutions. With more than 50 years of combined principal experience, they bring creativity and clarity to every project while staying grounded in budgets, schedules, and construction realities. Collaboration is at the core of their approach, ensuring every project reflects a shared vision and delivers lasting value. Please visit CollinsAndWebb.com for more info.