Potter Family Court received a fresh look as Newman University continues to invest in its athletic facilities and the student-athlete experience.
The renovation of Fugate Gymnasium’s court began immediately following the 2025-26 basketball season, with the design process starting with bidding and concepts. Physical work began June 30 and was completed in late July after roughly a month of sanding, staining, painting and sealing the court.
Associate Athletic Director for Advancement and Operations Zach Brake, who worked alongside former Sports Information Director Daphne Williams on the court’s branding and design, said the project was focused on creating a modern look while incorporating Newman’s current athletic brand.
“The overall vision was to modernize the gym,” Brake said. “The best way for us to do that was by ensuring the current athletics brand was the focal point.”
Behind the design
The new design features updated typography, the primary Newman athletics logo at center court, refreshed basketball and volleyball markings, a painted basketball key and an updated MIAA logo. Newman’s navy blue, red, light blue and white color palette is featured throughout the court.
Navy blue is used for the basketball lines, key and sidelines, while red outlines the Newman wordmark along the baseline. The center court logo incorporates the primary athletics logo along with Newman’s tertiary light blue. Volleyball lines, the Newman text and basketball charge arc are white.
Brake said the design process involved nearly a dozen different court concepts before the final version was selected.
“From typography to logo and color, every detail was an intentional choice to promote the university that our department is so proud to represent in competition,” Brake said.
Reddi Industries handled the physical renovation. Brake said the company’s experience and existing relationship with Newman made it a natural partner for the project.
“Reddi was the perfect fit for this project because of their expertise,” Brake said. “A well-known company and longtime friend of the university, Reddi took every detail into account and turned concepts to realities.”
The Potter family legacy continues at Newman
The updated court continues to carry the name of former Newman men’s basketball coach Mark Potter.
Potter Family Court was dedicated Feb. 2, 2013, in honor of Potter and his family. A 1986 Newman graduate, Potter played basketball and baseball for the Jets before returning to his alma mater as head coach.
Potter was tasked with resurrecting the men’s basketball program following an 11-year hiatus. He began with no players, balls or uniforms and went on to lead Newman to three NAIA tournaments and one NCAA tournament during his 19 seasons as head coach. His teams also recorded a 20-game winning streak that set an NAIA record.
Potter retired in December 2016, with his final home game taking place on Feb. 25, 2017.
His connection to Newman has continued well beyond his coaching career. Potter has become a nationally recognized mental health advocate after publicly sharing his experience with depression and suicidal ideation. He and his wife, Nanette, travel across the country speaking to coaches, student-athletes and community groups. In January 2026, Potter returned to Newman to speak to approximately 350 students and staff about depression and hope.
Brake said the name Potter Family Court represents Potter’s lasting connection to the university.
“Coach Potter is still engaged with our campus and the men’s basketball program; the court is a nod to lifelong commitment to the university,” Brake said.
Improving student-athletes’ experiences
The renovation is part of a larger effort by Newman athletics to improve facilities and provide a stronger experience for student-athletes.
“The new court design brings a new vibe for our student-athletes, rentals and Newman community,” said Athletic Director Kenyon Spears.
Brake said the project was a collaborative effort involving the athletic department, coaches and campus partners.
“The redesign process involved numerous people from the athletic department collaborating with an invested campus partner to benefit student-athletes,” Brake said.
The court renovation is one of several facility improvements taking place around Newman. The university has also upgraded other areas, including the weight room and softball field.
Spears said the improvements reflect the university’s continued focus on student-athletes while also supporting recruiting and retention.
“We are very committed to our student-athletes and their experience at Newman,” Spears said. “We still have a lot of growth and will continue to look at ways we can increase our value to help with recruiting and retention.”
Leaving it all on the court
For Brake, seeing the finished court was more than simply completing a renovation. Athletic facilities serve as the everyday home for coaches and student-athletes while also welcoming visitors to campus.
“When the right people get in the room, it is satisfying to see the possibilities,” Brake said. “This truly felt like a home renovation that we get to share with thousands of visitors annually.”
With its updated markings, logos and colors, the renovated court now provides a new visual identity for Fugate Gymnasium while maintaining the history behind the Potter Family Court name.
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