Philanthropists Pledge Major Gift to OU Athletics

NORMAN – Longtime University of Oklahoma supporters and philanthropists Gregg Wadley and Dr. Susan E. "Betsy" Brackett have pledged $2 million to support OU Athletics and the shared mission of providing a world-class experience for nearly 600 student-athletes. The announcement was made today by OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione.

This significant gift will support facility renovations including tennis and gymnastics as well as other areas of need for OU Athletics. In 2007, Wadley, together with his wife Dr. Brackett, were the lead donors for the current indoor tennis facility, the Gregg Wadley Tennis Pavilion, and continue to propel the tennis programs forward.

"Gregg and Betsy have been instrumental in our success across all of our programs for many years and we are so thankful for their continued investment in the lives of young people and our programs. They have time and time again stepped up in transformational ways, especially when it comes to enhancing the student-athlete experience, which their gift most certainly does." Castiglione said.

The Headington Family Tennis Center and Gregg Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion are home to the Oklahoma men's and women's tennis programs as well as the OU Tennis Club. The growth of the OU Tennis Club has created a critical need for spaces exclusive to both the men's and women's tennis programs. Addressing this need will add features that will drastically improve the student-athlete experience and will solidify the facility as a world-class training center.

"Gregg and Betsy's generosity, passion and love for Oklahoma is inspiring to us all and we are grateful to have them as our teammates in our constant pursuit of excellence."
Joe Castiglione

Improvements to the tennis facility include team suites with updated locker rooms, 4,300 square feet of new construction, an elevated multi-purpose patio, 540 new elevated fixed chairback seats, an upgraded sports lighting system and a new sound system.

In addition to support for the tennis center, a portion of the generous gift from Wadley and Brackett will also have a direct impact on Oklahoma Gymnastics Training Center. Originally opened in 1982, the Sam Viersen Center has been the home to 16 national championship gymnastics teams. Over time, more dedicated team space has become an undeniable need for both the men's and women's gymnastics programs. Addressing this need will provide a facility for student-athletes to train and develop their skills.

"A number of years ago when we were able to increase our philanthropic activities, we decided to focus on areas that reflect our passions," said Wadley and Brackett. "We believe athletics enhances the development of numerous skills and traits in student-athletes that will serve them well after their activity in collegiate sports ends. Perhaps more importantly, OU Athletics programs enhance the university experience for all students and are a source of pride to the fans, the city and the state."

Not only did the couple have a long history of following OU Athletics as fans, but Wadley grew up immersed in athletics. His father was football coach and ultimately the athletics director at Northeastern State University. The positive impact on the lives of young people continues today because of Betsy and Gregg's generosity and support.

OU Athletics continues to fundraise for facility projects. If you are interested in learning more or supporting these necessary initiatives, please click here.

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Audra Cohen, OU Head Women's Tennis Coach

"We are so thankful to Betsy and Gregg for their support. Student-athletes come to Norman from all over the world to pursue their education and play tennis on some of the biggest stages in intercollegiate athletics. Betsy and Gregg's reach is global and we are extremely grateful to call them friends and difference-makers for our programs."

Nick Crowell, OU Head Men's Tennis Coach

"The planned improvements will allow us to grow our program by offering student-athletes top-notch training facilities and improve the fan experience with greater amenities. As we reflect on the tradition of Oklahoma Tennis, we look to build the future and continue to be a leader in our sport. Gregg and Betsy clearly share in this vision and I cannot be more grateful for their support and belief in our programs."

Mark Williams, OU Head Men's Gymnastics Coach

"The facility improvements to the Sam Viersen locker rooms, training room, team room and sports performance room will have a huge impact on our student-athlete's experience. We are thankful to Gregg and Dr. Brackett for investing in us. We know we will continue to set the standard across the sport, and we look forward to a facility that aligns with that vision."

K.J. Kindler, OU Head Women's Gymnastics Coach

"We are thankful to Gregg and Dr. Brackett for their thoughtfulness and generosity. Our championship programs are committed to upholding our standard of excellence, and these facility enhancements are a necessary evolution for our program. Betsy and Gregg's decision to support our programs has a direct impact on enriching our student-athletes' experiences and for that we are truly grateful."