Thanks to a significant gift from Michael and Kristeen Hickey, both from the Class of 1984, St. Bonaventure University will have a new outdoor tennis complex.

Construction began in July on the six-court facility, located southeast of the Bonnies softball field. The project is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Michael Hickey is chair of the university’s Board of Trustees. Kristeen Hickey played tennis for the Bonnies during her time at SBU. Their gift will cover the entire cost of the project, which will include lighting, bleachers and parking.

“With the sweeping changes that continue to impact the intercollegiate athletics landscape, facilities still matter a great deal,” said Bob Beretta, vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

“The incredible generosity of Michael and Kris will provide a fantastic outdoor tennis complex that will remain a key component of our overall athletic facility master plan. We are extremely grateful for their visionary gift, one that will not only serve our student-athletes, but the entire St. Bonaventure community.”

The tennis courts on the west side of campus, constructed in 2004, are beyond repair and no longer a viable training option for a Division I college program.

The new location was selected as the university continues to build out the entire athletics complex with all athletic facilities in one general location.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #6 for value and #14 for innovation by U.S. News and World Report (2024).