Texas Woman's University in Denton will name its upcoming athletics complex after Dr. Dawn S. Chaney, a three-time alumna who provided a $10 million gift to the initiative. The approximately $30 million facility is scheduled to break ground in 2027.
Chaney, who holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in kinesiology, now ranks among the top five donors in the university's history. Her previous contributions include establishing two endowed kinesiology scholarships, supporting the Chaney West Commons in the Health Sciences Center, and founding the Texas Woman's Athletics Hall of Fame. She later built a real estate enterprise after a career in higher education.
Chancellor Carine Feyten described the complex as a major investment in the university's mission to prepare women for leadership. She noted that athletics help cultivate resilience and elevate community pride. Feyten highlighted Chaney's background as a former student-athlete when discussing the impact of the gift.
The university's athletic program has expanded significantly over the past six years, growing from five varsity sports to nine. The student-athlete population has more than doubled, and teams have secured five conference championships, three regional titles, and five national championships. The program also received three consecutive Academic Excellence Awards and the 2025 NCAA Division II President’s Award for Academic Excellence.
This growth has strained existing facilities. Student-athletes currently share Pioneer Hall with academic kinesiology programs, leading to scheduling conflicts and overcrowded training areas. Limited space in locker rooms and weight-training facilities has restricted summer camps and community outreach programs.
The new 30,000- to 35,000-square-foot complex aims to address these operational needs. Planned features include an auxiliary practice gym, locker rooms for five teams, and a weight room that can accommodate 40 athletes simultaneously. The facility will also house a sports medicine clinic, a student-athlete lounge, indoor batting cages, and dedicated spaces for wrestling and stunt teams.
