The University of Hartford plans to build a $2.4 million outdoor athletics and recreation complex on the residential side of its West Hartford campus.
The project will include six tennis courts — one of which will also be lined for four pickleball courts — along with a basketball court and lighting for nighttime use. The facility will be named for Vin Baker, the former University of Hartford basketball standout who went on to a 13-year NBA career and is currently an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks.
University officials say the complex will support the school’s growing intramural and club sports programs and provide additional practice and competition space for its NCAA Division III teams. The university relaunched its men’s and women’s tennis programs in fall 2025.
The project is being funded in part by alumni donations. A lead gift from Loic De Kertanguy, a 1969 graduate and former tennis player, will support the tennis portion of the facility, which will bear his name.
Another donation tied to the basketball court is being organized by alumni Anthony Assante and Mike Daglio, who are encouraging members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity to contribute to the effort.
Baker played at the University of Hartford before being selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1993 NBA draft. During his professional career he played for seven teams, was a four-time NBA All-Star and won a gold medal as a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team.
The university said the Bucks are also supporting the project and assisting with aspects of the facility’s design.
The athletics complex is part of a broader series of campus investments. The university recently opened the Grant Family Track & Field facility and plans a $2.8 million renovation of the Konover Campus Center this summer that will include new dining options and other upgrades.
Since moving to Division III athletics, the university says participation in intramural and club sports has grown, with about 200 students now involved in 12 club teams and 10 intramural leagues.
