Austin Peay State University's athletics department announced Tuesday that a family with a long history of supporting the Governors has agreed to relinquish certain naming rights, allowing the department to explore new partnership options and revenue streams.
"In a continued demonstration of their commitment to and belief in the future of Austin Peay State University Athletics, Joe Maynard and the Maynard Family have agreed to relinquish existing naming rights to the baseball field at Raymond C. Hand Park and the football field at Fortera Stadium, providing the department with additional avenues for revenue generation and strategic growth in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics," the announcement states.
"The decision represents another significant commitment from the Maynard Family to the continued growth and success of Austin Peay Athletics. Through their generosity and longstanding involvement with the University, the Maynards have played a transformative role in the development of facilities, opportunities and experiences for Governors student-athletes."
The Maynard Family's name will on Cathi Maynard Field at Cheryl Holt Field (softball) and the Maynard Family Athletic Complex as a whole on Austin Peay's campus in Clarksville, Tenn.
"Having a new naming rights opportunity allows us to re-engage community partners who wish to enhance their brand and name-recognition locally, regionally and nationally," said Kris Phillips, vice president for alumni, engagement and philanthropy and executive director of the APSU Foundation. "The Maynard Family's self-sacrifice offers another visionary brand the opportunity to come aboard as part of the Austin Peay Athletics family at one of the most exciting periods in the history of the University."
The willingness of the Maynard Family to relinquish field naming rights at the Governors' baseball and football venues will give Austin Peay opportunities to build new partnerships and investments in Clarksville and the surrounding Midstate area, ensuring long-term stability for the program in terms of student-athlete support, NIL opportunities, facilities and other competitive resources.
Per the announcement, "The newly available naming opportunities give Austin Peay an opportunity to welcome new supporters into the Governors family while continuing the momentum created by the Maynards' transformational generosity."
"From our very first interactions, the Maynard Family has always prioritized what is best for Austin Peay Athletics and its student-athletes," said Austin Peay director of athletics Jordan Harmon. "Their willingness to create new opportunities for future investment speaks volumes about their vision, generosity, and belief in the direction of our department."
Added Austin Peay president Michael Licari. "The selflessness demonstrated here by the Maynard Family will have an incalculable impact on the long-term viability of our athletics department, enriching the lives of countless current and future student-athletes."
"We have always wanted the very best for Austin Peay, its student-athletes, coaches and staff,"said Joe Maynard. "Stepping back, while a difficult decision, allows the Athletics Department to pursue other avenues of investment for the welfare of the department and to support the student-athlete experience, while allowing my family to remain a fully-engaged stakeholder in the future of Austin Peay. Our deep affinity for and commitment to Austin Peay remains; it is always a great day to be a Gov!"
