The success of Cyclone Athletics is on the rise, evidenced in part by the women’s basketball team’s high ranking – and the buzz the team’s generating in the Big 12.

And helping Cyclone student-athletes in all sports stay firmly in the win column is the recently completed Stark Performance Center, established during the historic $1.5 billion Forever True, For Iowa State campaign. The facility, which is connected to the east side of the Bergstrom Football Complex, will promote the well-rounded development of Iowa State’s student-athletes, including women’s basketball player Lexi Donarski.

“I’m excited to be able to interact with other student-athletes in the new Stark Performance Center, and I also like the available study space,” says Lexi, a sophomore in business management and marketing and recipient of the Ronald and Pamela Hallenbeck Women’s Basketball Scholarship.

The center will support every aspect of the student-athlete experience, including academic achievement, nutrition, mental and physical wellness, career planning and life-skills mentoring.

The Stark Performance Center is part of the reimagining of the north end of Jack Trice Stadium, which also includes an upgraded Bergstrom Football Complex and the Albaugh Family Plaza. In addition, the new facility demonstrates to recruits that Iowa State is serious about competing in the Big 12 and nationally, and leading all student-athletes to big wins both in their sports and in the classroom.

Gifts of all sizes from generous Iowa State donors made the project possible, ensuring that Cyclone Athletics will continue contributing to the university’s identity and spirit in Iowa and throughout the nation for years to come.

For Lexi, the anticipation of getting back on the court this season to feel that spirit firsthand is unmatched.

“After experiencing Hilton Magic growing up, I knew Iowa State was my home,” she says. “I built great relationships with the coaches and fell in love with the winning culture and fan base.”