University of Evansville Unveils New Begle Family Sports Center

The University of Evansville has officially unveiled its newly renovated athletics facility, now named the Begle Family Sports Performance Center, honoring Curt Begle and his wife, Kelley, for their incredible support.

A Major Upgrade For UE Athletics

The ribbon was cut during a special ceremony, marking a major milestone for UE athletics. The project, funded through private donations, has already topped $800,000 and is designed to benefit all 300 student-athletes across UE’s 17 Division I programs.

What The New Facility Offers Student Athletes

The facility features upgraded spaces for training, recovery, and overall development. It’s not just about building stronger athletes – it’s about supporting their total well-being. Future additions will focus on nutrition and creating spaces where athletes can connect, recharge, and build that strong sense of team and community.

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UE Athletic Director Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried says this was the department’s biggest need – and now it’s becoming a reality. Not only will it elevate the experience for current athletes, but it also gives coaches a powerful tool when recruiting the next generation of Aces.

Head Men’s Basketball Coach David Ragland echoed that excitement, saying the new center will help student-athletes grow both physically and mentally, setting them up for success on and off the court.

The Begle Family Impact On UE Athletics

For Curt Begle, this project is personal. A former Purple Aces basketball player from the 1999 NCAA Tournament team, he’s stayed deeply connected to UE over the years. Today, he’s the CEO of Magnera Corporation and a dedicated member of the university’s Board of Trustees.

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Kelley Begle, also a UE alum, has been just as involved – supporting athletics, hosting events, and cheering on the Aces alongside their son, Crue.

Together, the Begles didn’t just contribute financially - they helped shape the vision for the space and inspired others to get involved.

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Their message is simple: the lessons learned through athletics – teamwork, resilience, perseverance – last a lifetime. And now, thanks to their generosity, future generations of UE athletes will have the tools they need to succeed in every way.