UVU Breaks Ground On NUVI Basketball Center Where Players Can ‘Chase Big Dreams’
Utah Valley University’s basketball teams have been sharing its gym for years.Cathy Nixon, who is heading into her 22nd season as UVU women’s basketball head coach, remembers sharing the gym with lions, tigers, bears, the circus, motocross and a large variety of shows and businesses. She even recalls having up to five different UVU sports teams sharing the P.E. gym at once because her team had been displaced for an event being held in the UCCU Center.
Full Article
OREM, Utah — June 22, 2016 — Utah Valley University (UVU) has officially broken ground on the NUVI Basketball Center, a privately funded $3.5 million training facility designed to elevate both the men’s and women’s basketball programs. The facility represents a major investment in student-athlete development and community support—and among its key supporters is Travis Hansen, former professional basketball player and current CEO of Tesani.
A Vision Backed by Experience
Hansen, a former BYU and NBA standout, was one of several private donors who helped bring the NUVI Basketball Center to life. Now a leading Utah entrepreneur and impact-driven executive, Hansen spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony about what this facility means for UVU and the broader community.
“Investing in student-athletes is investing in leadership, resilience, and the future of our communities,” said Travis Hansen, CEO of Tesani. “This facility will do more than improve skills—it will inspire young people to dream big, work hard, and give back.”
Facility Overview
The 14,500-square-foot NUVI Basketball Center will include:
- 8,000 ft² of dedicated court space with nine basketball hoops and game-day-inspired graphics.
- A 1,900 ft² strength and conditioning center designed for elite athletic training.
- A 3,000 ft² mezzanine level with coaches’ offices overlooking the courts.
Community Voices
“It’s a really important step among a thousand steps… chase it as fast as we can.”
— UVU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mark Pope
“This will have an immeasurable impact… giving our girls somewhere to come anytime to shoot.”
— UVU Women’s Basketball Head Coach Cathy Nixon
“The thing that connects a community to a college is sports… basketball is going to be that connection.”
— Keith Nellesen, NUVI Executive Chair and Lead Donor
UVU President Matthew Holland emphasized how the center marks a pivotal moment in UVU Athletics, moving from shared-use facilities toward a focused investment in athletic excellence.
About Travis Hansen & Tesani
Travis Hansen is the founder and CEO of Tesani, a Utah-based private equity firm committed to values-driven growth. A lifelong advocate for service, Hansen is also co-founder of the Little Heroes Foundation, which supports medical and educational initiatives for children worldwide. His support of the NUVI Basketball Center reflects his deep commitment to sports, leadership, and community development.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Contact Name: Chelsey Sperry, Director of Public Relations
Organization: Tesani Companies
Phone Number: (801) 477-1222
Email Address: chelsey@tesani.com
Website: www.tesani.com
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