EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Another major step forward for the University of Evansville softball program took place on Saturday morning with the dedication of the Broerman Family Softball Clubhouse.
 
Through the generosity of Larry Broerman and his family, the Purple Aces softball program continues its upward trajectory with some of the top resources in the Missouri Valley Conference and the NCAA Mid-Major level. Saturday's dedication coincided with Alumni Weekend as multiple former softball players were back in town to celebrate the program.
 
"The Broerman Family Softball Clubhouse was a concept/idea we literally kicked off my tenure as head of Aces Softball with. Our first team meeting last year was in this space, committing to elevate the support of our program," Purple Aces head softball coach Bailey Dillender said. "While last years' squad got to move into the Clubhouse early January, the final phase was completed over the summer. And wow. I had a very vivid vision of what I thought it could become, but the reality far exceeds those expectations."
 
"I am grateful for all those supporters and Alums who answered the call and stepped up to support in all different types of ways, but especially grateful for Larry and his family for really expediting this project with his commitment a year ago this week. I remember that day so well," Dillender added.  "It is a tremendous time for Aces softball, momentum is at an all-time high, and a newfound pride not only for our current student athletes but our alums, and future Aces get to be a part of this excitement too!"
 
Main features of the clubhouse include:

• Coaches Suite
• Players' Lounge and Team Suite
• Beauty Bar
• Nutrition and Fueling Area
• Conference Room
• Study Area
• Diamond Legacy Wall of Honor

 
"Everyone with the softball program and UE athletics as a whole extends our gratitude to Larry Broerman and his family for their generosity and support of our program," UE Vice President for Athletics Dr. Ziggy Siegfried said. "The Broerman family has been lifelong supporters of our university and have truly made a difference in every way possible."
 
"The addition of the Broerman Family Softball Clubhouse greatly enhances the experience for our softball student-athletes and gives Coach Dillender a valuable recruiting tool as we look to make our vision for the program become a reality."
 
The Broerman Family Softball Clubhouse gives softball players a space that impacts all areas of being a student-athlete including preparation, recovery, connection, and culture.
 
"Recruiting is always difficult at a school the size of UE. The softball program has a great history, tremendous field & stadium, committed administration and I believe head coach Bailey Dillender is capable of bringing us back to the top of the MVC where we were in the late 1990s and early 2000s under Coach Gwen Lewis when my daughter Bridget played," Larry Broerman exclaimed. "The Broerman Family Softball Clubhouse is one more piece in the puzzle to make UE an attractive choice for the type of talented athletes it will take to get us back atop the MVC and regain the regional and national recognition we once enjoyed."