EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Three years ago, the University of Evansville softball program took to the field for the first time following a $1 million turf upgrade at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at Cooper Stadium. Today, the Purple Aces program takes another transformational step with the unveiling of a new clubhouse project.
 
The project is anchored by the creation of a new UE Softball Clubhouse (Phase 1), followed by the development of a newly enhanced Softball locker room (Phase 2) at Arad McCutchan Stadium. Together, these investments reflect continued momentum for the program and a strong institutional commitment to competitive excellence and student-athlete well-being.
 
Phase 1: UE Softball Clubhouse (Underway)
 
Phase 1 transforms the former weight room inside McCutchan Stadium into a dedicated Softball Clubhouse, designed exclusively for the program. Head coach Bailey Dillender and her staff have been actively involved throughout the planning and design process to ensure the space reflects the culture, standards, and vision of UE Softball.
 
The Clubhouse will feature:

• Coaches Suite
• Players' Lounge and Team Suite
• Beauty Bar
• Nutrition and Fueling Area
• Conference / Media Room
• Bold Purple Aces branding throughout

 
The Clubhouse will serve as the daily hub of the program—supporting preparation, recovery, connection, and culture—while also providing a powerful recruiting tool that reflects the standard being built within UE Softball.
 
"My first conversation with Ziggy when I took over the program was the vision I had for our student-athletes NOW, and how that same vision helps us to move the needle forward with our program for years to come. The clubhouse project has been such a labor of love and commitment by so many people. The generosity of gifts in phase 1 led us to dream bigger, and better for our student-athletes, past, present, and future. I am grateful for the support to get us this far and am looking forward to having more Aces get us across the finish line this summer!" – UE Head Softball Coach Bailey Dillender
 
Phase 2: Softball Locker Room (Targeted for Fall 2026)
 
Phase 2 includes the relocation of UE Softball into the former Baseball locker room, which will be enhanced and reimagined as a dedicated Softball locker room and directly connected to the new Clubhouse.
 
Construction on this phase is scheduled to begin at the conclusion of the Spring 2026 semester, with a target move-in date at the start of Fall 2026.
 
The enhanced locker room will:

• Provide a larger, program-specific footprint designed for Softball
• Dedicated Space for Helmets, Gloves, Cleats and Uniforms
• Modern washroom facilities and Changing Areas
• Motivational Messaging and Graphics

 
Together, the Clubhouse and locker room will form a unified home for UE Softball—spaces intentionally designed to blend tradition, functionality, and modern expectations.
 
Momentum, Impact, and Call to Action
 
The UE Softball Clubhouse and Locker Room Project represent more than a facility upgrade—it is an investment in the future of our student-athletes and the long-term competitiveness of our program. These spaces will finally give our student-athletes a home they can be proud of: a modern, functional, inspiring environment that reflects who they are and who we aspire to be.
 
The new Clubhouse and enhanced locker room will provide the daily resources today's student-athletes expect—space to prepare, recover, meet, study, and build meaningful team connection. At the same time, these facilities will serve as a signature first impression for recruits, showcasing a program that is committed to excellence and fully aligned with the expectations of Division I softball.
 
"These facilities will be transformational for our program," said UE Director of Athletics Ziggy Siegfried. "They reflect the direction Coach Dillender is leading us and demonstrate to current and future student-athletes that UE Softball is committed to providing a championship-caliber experience."
 
Already, more than $200,000 has been secured through the generosity of softball alumnae, supporters, and friends of the program. Approximately $100,000 remains to fully fund both phases at the level our student-athletes deserve.
 
We now invite the broader UE Softball family—alumnae, parents, supporters, and all those who believe in this program—to help close the gap and bring this vision to life. This is a pivotal moment to make a lasting, visible impact on the women who wear the Aces uniform today and those yet to come.
 
Naming opportunities and additional avenues for support will be announced soon.
 
Impacts from these upgrades will go a long way in supporting the recruiting, retention, and holistic development of student-athletes on and off the field. It demonstrates a continued commitment to the program that is driven by leadership, investment, and strong community support.
 
This project is just the latest in multiple facility enhancements for the UE softball program that set it apart from the rest of the Missouri Valley Conference.
 
To support the UE Softball Clubhouse and Locker Room Project:
 
Support the Softball Clubhouse!
 
For more information, please contact Kelly Gates, Director of Athletics Development, at 812-488-2374 or kf93@evansville.edu.