The project reflects UHart’s continued investment in strategic initiatives that prioritize the student experience, while expanding access to recreational and wellness resources for the entire community.
The highly visible new facility will allow UHart to expand its rapidly growing club and intramural sports offerings, with the addition of outdoor tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts. It will also provide additional training and competing space for the University’s intercollegiate NCAA Division III student-athletes. The University relaunched its men’s and women’s tennis programs in Fall 2025.
The complex will house six tennis courts, with one lined to accommodate four pickleball courts, and one basketball court. Lighting installations will allow for play at all times of day.
In recognition of distinguished alumnus Vin Baker, the greatest men’s basketball player in the University’s history, the new complex will be named in his honor. Baker’s collegiate basketball career at UHart was a defining chapter in his life and legacy, and the complex will be a symbol of his spirit, contributions, and resilience.
Baker, now an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, was drafted from UHart, into the NBA by the Bucks in 1993, played for seven teams in his 13-year NBA career, and was a four-time All-Star. He was also a member of the gold-medal-winning 2000 U.S. Men’s Olympic Team. The Milwaukee Bucks are also supporting the project, and their marketing team is assisting with the design.
Vin Baker, Milwaukee Bucks Assistant Coach"I am deeply grateful for this incredible honor. It has truly exceeded my imagination, and I am beyond excited. The University is very special to me and there is no bigger honor I've ever received or been prouder of in my basketball career than this."
Since officially moving to Division III athletics, the University has grown the number of student-athletes, added new programs, and built new facilities, including the Grant Family Track & Field, which opened in Fall 2025. New investments and programming have led to big participation increases in recreational activities and wellness, including 10 intramural leagues and more than 200 students in 12 club sports.
“We envision this as a space not just for our incredible student-athletes, but for everyone to be able to stay active, compete in a friendly atmosphere, and create lifelong memories. We’re investing in athletics, recreation, and club sports in a big way for more students to benefit from what those opportunities offer—leadership, teamwork, and dedication. I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor Vin’s legacy,” said Alicia Queally, director of athletics and recreation.
This project will be made possible thanks to the generosity of two lead gifts. One is from Loic De Kertanguy ‘69, who played tennis in his time at UHart and now wishes to make an investment in the student experience. The tennis facility within the complex will be named in his honor.
The second large donation, centered around the basketball court, is being led by two alumni, Anthony Assante ‘91 M’93 and Mike Daglio ‘91, who are rallying their brothers of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity to join them in honoring their shared history, their brotherhood, and a defining chapter of their University of Hartford experience. Baker’s collegiate athletic career was a prominent and unforgettable part of their time on campus.
Lawrence P. Ward, University of Hartford President"The athletics and recreation complex represents our university’s proud athletics tradition as well as a new era of progress and momentum as we reimagine excellence and thoughtfully invest in future students’ experience. I often talk about the power and importance of sharing our individual light with others. Vin’s personal story and journey are a testament to his strength, perseverance, and unwavering belief in humanity. For our alumni to honor his legacy with this amazing facility inspires and shines more of their light on the next generation of UHart students."
Enhancing the Student Experience
The complex is the latest in a series of intentional investments the University has made in the student experience, creating spaces that foster a strong sense of community and belonging. This summer, a $2.8 million transformation of the Konover Campus Center will create a next-level dining and gathering destination. It is a part of a $9M summer plan that includes a renovated Starbucks, new market, and upgrades to campus parking lots and bridges. Recently, the University also completed a renovation of the lower level of Gengras Student Union, headquarters for UHart’s student organizations and Student Government Association.
Be Part of the Momentum
Gifts of all sizes will move the project closer to groundbreaking and open additional naming and recognition opportunities within the complex. To make a contribution or learn more about how to support this project, contact us.