ELLISVILLE – The stars of HGTV’s Home Town and Jones College alumni, Ben and Erin Napier, returned to the Ellisville campus over the summer but this time, it was not to transform a building or a home. They were asked to shine a little attention on the Women’s Basketball facilities. Upon completion of the project, and the recent premiere of the episode, it has become obvious that the $75,000 donation to make some crucial changes has scored big points. Not only were the locker room facilities renovated, but the upgrade has also transformed the lives of the team members and coaches, bringing new energy and visibility to the program led by head coach, Trista Magee Whitman. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith said this remodeling opportunity will be life changing for the athletes.
“This project was about investing in our student-athletes and showing them that they matter,” Smith said. “To have a show with the reach of ‘Home Town’ shine a spotlight on Jones College is incredibly meaningful for our campus and our community, but to also work with alumni, like Ben and Erin, is even more special.”
This project expanded its mission of restoring old things by highlighting the impact of athletics and education. Coach Magee Whitman said the renovation came at a pivotal time for her program.
“Our players put in countless hours on the court, in the classroom and in the community,” she said. “To see someone invest in them like this, to create a space they can truly call their own, is emotional. It tells them their hard work is seen and appreciated. Our motto is Building Champions, and this renovation helps us do just that.”
The improvements enhanced the team’s facilities by creating a more modern and functional environment that supports both training and building a team culture. In addition to a lounge area with a sound system and a nutrition center, athletes now have a private area for evaluating and taping injuries, a sauna and cold plunge bath, and a private dressing area and the ladies have a nice bathroom and vanity area for after the game. Sophomore player Khalee Harrison of Vaughn said the changes really boosted morale.
“It makes you feel proud,” Harrison said. “When you walk into a space that’s been designed just for you and your team, it gives you a different level of motivation. It makes you want to work even harder because they invested in us and this just feels like home.”
One of the guests and friend of Coach Magee Whitman, Christy Durham of Laurel toured the new facility prior to the premiere of the Home Town show. She is especially impressed with the renovation but emphasized the broader impact beyond wins and losses.
“This isn’t just about basketball,” Durham said. “It’s about giving these young women confidence and showing them, they deserve something special. Trista has always poured into her players, and now that’s being poured back into her program.”
With the episode featuring Jones College continuing to air in the future, campus leaders say the exposure could bring lasting benefits like increased recruitment and hopefully the opportunity for more community engagement. Smith said the renovation aligns with the college’s mission of supporting students in every aspect of their development.
“At Jones, we believe in creating opportunities that help students succeed,” he said. “This project does exactly that because it elevates our facilities, but more importantly, it elevates our people.”
Pieces of the past are placed throughout the facility including leftover hardwood from the basketball court that are now part of the accent wall, trophies and a pair of converse tennis shoes. For the coach and her players, the experience will continue to resonate with them for a long time into the future.
“This is something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives,” Whitman said. “This is going to inspire future generations of Bobcat athletes.”
