Donors Hit Home Run with Large Gift

The crack of the bat, the aroma of hotdogs, the cheers from fans—the magic of baseball has inspired student-athletes like Brady Crow since little league. Crow can’t wait to hear those sounds in a new stadium. 

A generous $3 million gift from the Daniel R. Martin Family Foundation will allow construction to begin at FPU Diamond on a new concession stand and restroom, stadium seating, press box and locker room. “The gift is a game-changer for the whole university,” says Matt Mazzoni, assistant athletics director for external relations, “it will not only transform the lives of our current student-athletes, but every single future Sunbird that steps on campus.” 

The three-phase upgrade, led by a gift from Valley Iron, Inc., will be unveiled at the start of the 2024 baseball season.

More than buildings, Sunbird Athletics is about raising up leaders.
“At FPU we strive to provide a holistic academic and athletic experience for our student-athletes by modeling the core values of being Christ-centered, student-serving and community-focused,” Mazzoni says.

Crow, a biblical and theological studies major from Fresno, is the kind of leader athletics seeks to foster. “Being held to a high standard has pushed me to the point I am able to guide others,” says Crow. “I know the leadership skills I have learned from being a student-athlete will be with me for the rest of my life.” 

The new facility will also enhance outreach. “A state-of-the-art facility allows us to welcome our community to campus with pride,” Mazzoni says.

For Crow, the upgrades boost morale.
“It is a huge blessing when donors invest in student-athletes. It is a sign that people believe in us,” he says.