Saint Martin’s University and TwinStar Credit Union proudly unveiled the newly named TwinStar Court, inside Marcus Pavilion, home to the Saint Martin’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams.
Marcus Pavilion, which just commemorated its 50th anniversary last year, is the home court for Saints basketball and volleyball. Beginning with the upcoming athletic year, the court inside Marcus Pavilion will be renamed the TwinStar Court for the next five years.
“We are proud to have our athletic programs and the University associated with a community-based financial institution like TwinStar Credit Union,” said athletic director Bob Grisham. “I feel this speaks to their desire to be connected to an athletic program that promotes student-athlete balance as well as athletic and academic success. TwinStar’s commitment in sponsorship and support has taken our athletic programs to another level, matching other institutions around the country.”
Jeff Kennedy, CEO of TwinStar Credit Union, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “One of the guiding values of TwinStar Credit Union is community commitment. We are happy to partner with Saint Martin’s University—which has a similar commitment—as the sponsor of the TwinStar Court. TwinStar is dedicated to working with and supporting organizations throughout the region that make a difference through education and financial empowerment initiatives.”
Saint Martin’s is enjoying one of the most successful periods in the athletic program’s history. Under head coach Alex Pribble, the Saints men’s basketball team had an NCAA-era school record 25 wins, reached their first GNAC Championship game and NCAA Tournament, where they advanced to the round of 32.
Women’s basketball hired Christy Martin in the summer of 2017, leading the Saints to a three-win improvement, and the first GNAC Freshman of the Year in program history. Volleyball set a school record in wins and staged an exciting five-set stunner over Central Washington for the first time since 2002.
With the support of TwinStar Credit Union, Saint Martin’s aims to continue its success inside one of the most difficult conferences in NCAA Division II. The financial support provided by TwinStar not only affects Saint Martin’s 200-plus student-athletes, coaches and staff, but also the tens of thousands of community members who attend SMU events every year.
In 2020, Saint Martin’s will celebrate its 125th anniversary as an institution of higher education. The University has long occupied a central role in the Lacey community, and the partnership with TwinStar only strengthens that connection. Support from TwinStar is critical for the University and Saints Athletics, and highlights the longtime partnership between TwinStar and Saint Martin’s.
