Two years after a stunning run to the NCAA Super Regionals, the University of Evansville’s baseball program achieved another milestone with the Nov. 13 grand opening of Freeland Clubhouse. Former Purple Aces pitcher Kyle Freeland and his wife, Ashley, a former UE soccer player, made the addition possible with a $3 million gift.
The clubhouse behind the outfield wall of German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium took two years to build. It includes a locker room, coaching staff offices, and the Brownlee Legacy Lounge Room, dedicated Nov. 12 in honor of former UE Head Baseball Coach Jim Brownlee.
Officials say the Freelands’ donation is the largest-ever to UE athletics. About 40 other donors contributed to the clubhouse that Coach Wes Carroll says will continue to elevate UE baseball. In 2024, the Purple Aces soared to unprecedented heights — winning the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and an NCAA Tournament Regional before falling to the University of Tennessee in the Super Regionals.
“As I look at this facility, I can’t help but think of how far this program has come, the people who helped us get here, and, most importantly, what this means for the future of Aces baseball,” said Carroll, who has guided the program for 18 seasons. “From the very beginning, our vision for this clubhouse was to create something special for our student-athletes, a place that would elevate their experience … A college baseball experience is a lot more than what happens between the lines.”
Vice President for Athletics Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried told the Freelands that the gift “means so much to so many people. It made this clubhouse possible. You have given generations of Purple Aces a place to prepare, grow together, and call home.” President Chris Pietruszkiewicz said it will be a place for UE players to “share the victories, share the conversations, become lifelong friends.”
The clubhouse’s namesake is one of the program’s most decorated alumni.
Freeland, a 33-year-old Denver, Colorado, native, pitched at UE for three seasons. He was the eighth overall pick in the 2014 Major League Baseball draft, chosen by his hometown Colorado Rockies. The left-hander pitched for the Rockies for the last 10 seasons and is now a free agent. UE’s baseball program has retired Freeland’s No. 21.
Speakers at the dedication noted Freeland’s giving spirit. During each of his last five seasons, he’s been the Rockies’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, given by MLB to recognize community involvement and philanthropy. The Freelands have been actively involved in Special Olympics Colorado.
Kyle and Ashley Freeland helped snip the ribbon during dedication ceremonies, and Kyle gave prepared remarks released by UE.
“The University of Evansville will always hold a special place in our hearts,” he says in the statement. “ I’m incredibly proud of this university and the baseball program Coach Wes Carroll has built and continues to build. His commitment to developing young men, both on and off the field, is exactly what makes this program special.”
