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On October 23, members of the Rollins Board of Trustees, alumni, donors, and friends of the College gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Tennis & Golf Center.

The event marked a major milestone in Rollins’ ongoing commitment to providing student-athletes with state-of-the-art facilities that match their championship-caliber performance. Guests toured the 9,961-square-foot complex and previewed the spaces that now serve as home to the men’s and women’s tennis and golf programs—including dedicated locker rooms, golf simulators, coaches’ offices, spectator areas, and a hospitality lounge designed to foster connection and camaraderie.

“Today, we celebrate more than bricks and mortar,” President Brooke Barnett remarked at the event. “We celebrate vision, generosity, and the enduring values that define our community. This center is a testament to our commitment to student-athletes—not just in competition, but in character. It’s a space designed to support excellence in every dimension: physical performance, mental resilience, and academic growth.”

During the ceremony, guests heard from several voices at the heart of Rollins Athletics, including Pennie Parker, associate vice president of athletics; Sydney Eckstein ’26 of the women’s tennis team; RJ Glod ’25 of the men’s golf team; Tasi Purcell Batista ’07, head coach of women’s tennis; and Julie Garner, head coach of women’s golf. Each reflected on how the new facility will strengthen team culture, support training, and continue Rollins’ proud legacy of balancing academic and athletic excellence.

“This center represents the best of what athletics can offer: precision, passion, and purpose,” says Pennie Parker, associate vice president of athletics. “It’s a space built to inspire excellence, to support our student-athletes in their pursuit of greatness, and to bring our campus community together through sport.”

Facing Elizabeth and Ward halls, the Tennis & Golf Center complements Rollins’ Mediterranean architecture while introducing modern spaces that support both athletic training and academic balance. The Players’ Lounge hospitality suite will serve as a vibrant communal space for both the tennis and golf teams and offer perfect views of the courts.

“This center is more than just a place to train—it’s a symbol of growth, commitment, and belief in what we’re building together,” shared Tasi Purcell Batista ’07, women’s tennis head coach. “It represents the hours of hard work, the early mornings, the tough losses, and the unforgettable wins. This facility gives us the tools to compete at the highest level, to recruit top talent, and to foster a culture of excellence. It’s a game-changer—and we’re ready to make the most of it.”

The second floor houses Rollins’ golf programs, including a specialized grip room with a fully equipped workbench along with the golf coaches’ offices and lockers designed to securely store bags and equipment. The expansive golf simulator room is not only outfitted with the latest technology, but it is also large enough for both the men’s and women’s teams to use the space at the same time.

“I’ve seen firsthand how access to world-class resources can transform a player’s confidence, performance, and passion for the game,” shared Julie Garner, women’s golf head coach. “This center will be a place where dreams are nurtured, where hard work meets possibility, and where our teams—both tennis and golf—can grow together in strength and spirit.”

The Tennis & Golf Center will stand as a testament to Rollins’ enduring tradition of excellence—offering student-athletes a home where they can train, learn, and lead both on and off the court.

The College extends its deepest gratitude to the donors whose generosity made the Center a reality. In recognition of their contributions, several spaces within the facility bear their names:

Felicia Hutnick ’79 and John Kaiser
Hutnick-Kaiser Balcony

Steven Gorin Schlott ’76
Steven Gorin Schott Court (No. 1)

Sandy Eskenazi ’80
Coach Ginny Mack Court (No. 2)

Amy Will Brumfield ’99
Coach Bev Buckley Court (No. 3)

Titian Austin ’80 and Robert Winslow ’71 ’73MBA
Titian Austin and Robert Winslow Court (No. 4)

Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Foundation
Marshall Rinker, Jr. and Mike Strickland Court (No. 6)

David Lord ’69 ’71MBA ’16H
Coach Julie Garner Office

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