University of Evansville Breaks Ground on $3 million Freeland Baseball Clubhouse, Completion Set for Fall 2025Read full article…

Posted: Friday, January 24, 2025

University of Evansville (UE) officials, Major League Baseball (MLB) Pitcher Kyle Freeland and his wife, Ashley officially broke ground on The Freeland Clubhouse during a ceremony Friday.

The state-of-the-art facility will redefine the future of Purple Aces Baseball. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of alumni Kyle '15 and Ashley '15 Freeland, who contributed approximately $3 million, the clubhouse represents the largest philanthropic gift in UE Athletics history.

Announced in May 2024, The Freeland Clubhouse marks the launch of a pivotal project within the University's athletics strategic plan, Pathway to Excellence. Located near German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium, The Freeland Clubhouse will include a locker room, offices for coaching staff, and a lounge designed to foster a culture of excellence and camaraderie. Completion is anticipated in Fall 2025.

"It's truly an honor for Ashley and me to give back to the University of Evansville and support this baseball program," said Kyle Freeland, a standout pitcher for the Colorado Rockies and former UE baseball player. "I owe so much of my development as a player and a person to my time at UE and Coach Wes Carroll. This gift is our way of saying thank you and ensuring future Purple Aces have the tools and environment to reach their potential. We can't wait to see this vision become a reality."

Ashley Freeland, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Sport Management at UE, echoed her husband's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of creating a lasting legacy for future student-athletes.

Just a month after the announcement, the UE baseball team won their first MVC tournament title since 2006 and made an historic run for the program's first-ever NCAA Regional Tournament title.

UE Head Baseball Coach Wes Carroll has been instrumental in shaping a program renowned for its success and development of players. "This clubhouse is a game-changer for our program," said Coach Carroll. "It represents the commitment of Kyle, Ashley, and UE to providing a first-class experience for our student-athletes. Their generosity will propel us forward as we continue to compete at the highest level."

During the groundbreaking ceremony, UE Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth "Ziggy" Siegfried praised the Freeland family's transformational gift. "Aces Baseball is on the rise, and this generous investment further solidifies our position in the Missouri Valley Conference and beyond. Kyle and Ashley's belief in Coach Carroll's vision and their commitment to our student-athletes exemplify what it means to be a Purple Ace."

Kyle Freeland's journey from UE standout to Major League Baseball pitcher reflects the program's ability to develop talent and build character. With The Freeland Clubhouse, UE aims to continue attracting top-tier recruits, fostering a team-oriented environment, and setting the stage for even greater success.

The University of Evansville extends its deepest gratitude to Kyle and Ashley Freeland for their historic generosity and creating a new exciting chapter for Purple Aces Baseball.

For more information, please visit gopurpleaces.com/FreelandClubhouse.