Major gifts from two Emporia State University alumni and former tennis student-athletes will result in a new, unprecedented indoor-outdoor tennis complex for the university. Inspired by their passion for tennis, Wichitans Greg Kossover and Ken Hush are partnering with ESU to propel the tennis program forward.
The $3.2 million Kossover Family Tennis Complex is a first-ever concept of this size in the MIAA conference. It will feature six new championship-quality tennis courts — two indoor and four outdoor. The new complex will house the tennis teams’ locker rooms, coach’s office, players’ lounge, student-athlete study area, indoor court viewing deck and outdoor patio. Most importantly, it provides an on-campus, cold-weather tennis training center, a valuable resource that no other MIAA tennis program offers.
“I have enjoyed working with Greg, past teammates and the tennis community for this project,” Hush said. “Our goals were three-fold — to create a state-of-the-art tennis complex which will be a game-changer for the ESU men’s & women’s tennis programs, provide the university and its students with a first-class facelift for the northwest part of campus, while enhancing a key entrance for Emporia benefitting the city of Emporia via economic stimulus from targeted athletic events. Emporia State University will now have one of the finest tennis student-athlete facilities in all of Division II and certainly the MIAA Conference. Uniquely, this facility concept was originated by individuals of the private sector, which sets a standard for possibilities through donor investment.”
Through his involvement, Kossover said he is giving back to a program that helped shape him during his college days.
“Led by people like Coach George Milton and many members of the Emporia community, ESU tennis has been blessed with unwavering support throughout the years,” Kossover said. “So many student-athletes benefitted from their efforts, and it is exciting to see the university and the Emporia community develop a new indoor-outdoor tennis facility for year-round use. ESU student-athletes will be able to train and compete at the highest level and enjoy tennis as a lifetime sport.”
“This complex will transform the sport of tennis in Emporia,” said Kent Weiser, ESU Director of Athletics. “We are excited by this vote of confidence and look forward to the competitive advantage this facility will provide.”
Located near the existing Milton Tennis Courts on the southeast corner of Merchant Street and 18th Avenue, the complex will more than double the current tennis court footprint.
With 70 percent of the financial commitment raised, the final fundraising stage is underway, with a few remaining naming opportunities still available. To learn more or be part of this initiative, contact Shane Shivley at the Emporia State University Foundation at 620-341-5440.