GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University's home gymnasium is about to get a makeover. The University has received an anonymous gift in the amount of $1.25 million for renovations to the competition gym and lobby of the Corbin J. Robertson Center, home to the Pirates men's and women's basketball and volleyball programs.
"I am so pleased that this generous gift will benefit our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire community," Southwestern University President Laura Skandera Trombley said. "These upgrades will enhance this important space where the Southwestern community regularly gathers to cheer our Pirates to victory."
The renovations focus on enhancing the fan experience and elevating the Pirates' home court advantage. The existing bleachers will be removed and replaced with retractable chairback seats, providing an added level of comfort to fans. An all-new maple hardwood flooring surface will be installed to support basketball and volleyball competition. Throughout the gym, aesthetic upgrades will be completed to further showcase Southwestern's unique branding and Pirate color scheme. Digital signage will also be installed inside the Robertson Center lobby to help usher in a forthcoming digital, interactive Southwestern Pirates Hall of Fame.
"The Robertson gym has served our students well since it was built almost 35 years ago," Southwestern University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Ken Ralph said. "With some of the components being near the end of their usable life, it is the perfect time to upgrade the space. When completed, this project will elevate the Robertson gym into one of the top facilities in Division III and be able to serve our students for decades to come."
The renovations to the Robertson Center represent a significant investment into the gameday experience for Southwestern's growing student-athlete population. Nearly 36% of Southwestern students play at least one varsity sport, a percentage that has increased in each of the last three years. All three Pirate programs that call the Robertson Center home are coming off successful campaigns. First-year head coach Matt Streich led the men's basketball program to a historic turnaround last season. The Pirates finished 13-14 on the year after back-to-back 2-23 seasons, marking the most wins since the 2018-2019 campaign. The team also earned their first conference tournament win since 2015. The Pirates women's basketball team posted an equally impressive campaign this past winter. In her third year at the helm, Caitlin Kriesel-Bigler coached the Pirates to a 13-13 record, their best season since finishing 14-14 in 2017-2018. The team also earned their first trip to a conference tournament since 2022.
Now in his 11th season as head coach, Don Flora has continued to lead the Pirates volleyball program to success. The team narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament each of the last two seasons, finishing 19-8 a year ago after posting a 23-6 record in 2024. Since joining SU in 2016, Flora has led SU to three NCAA Tournaments and an overall record of 215-90.
In addition to the competition gym, the Robertson Center is home to 95,000 square feet of comprehensive recreational and athletic facilities, including a practice gym, weight room, indoor track and workout facility, locker rooms, and the Walzel Natatorium. During the summer, the venue holds numerous basketball, volleyball, and swimming and diving camps that welcome more than 10,000 athletes from across the state.
Work on the Robertson Center is expected to begin in mid-March, following the completion of the 2026–2027 men's and women's basketball seasons, and be complete by mid-August 2027, just in time for volleyball season.
