New UI Gymnastics, Spirit Squads Facility Named After Nagle-Duda

IOWA CITY, Iowa — A new practice home for the University of Iowa women’s gymnastics and spirit squads will open in early 2025 thanks to a generous donor and passionate Hawkeye fan.

In recognition of a $5 million leadership gift from Mary Lee Nagle Duda (61BA) of Dallas, and pending approval from the Iowa Board of Regents, the University of Iowa Department of Intercollegiate Athletics new facility will be named the Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squads Training Center.

The Nagle-Duda Gymnastics and Spirit Squads Training Center will feature competition-style beams, vault runways, uneven bars and a floor-exercise space. In addition to nearly 21,000-square-feet of practice space, the facility will house locker rooms, meeting and athletic training rooms, office space and a multi-purpose room.

“The aspirational support Mary Lee and Fritz have provided the Hawkeyes over the past decade is remarkable,” says Beth Goetz, the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “Mary Lee’s pride and passion for the Hawkeyes, the University of Iowa and the Iowa City community is felt every time we visit. Their support is inspiring, and we are immensely grateful.”

Throughout the years, Mary Lee and her husband, Fritz Duda, have been strong University of Iowa supporters. In 2020, Finkbine Golf Course opened the Nagle Family Clubhouse, a project funded by the Duda’s leadership support. The over 20,000 square-foot facility features a large pro shop, restaurant and bar, outdoor patio, locker rooms, conference room and private dining space.

In 2010, Fritz surprised his wife -- a former University of Iowa cheerleader -- on the field at Kinnick Stadium with a gift to create the Mary Lee Hawkeye Spirit Fund, which provides scholarship assistance to the Iowa Spirit Squad. They also supported the building of the James M. Hoak Family Golf Complex and funded the Fountiene Lee Duda Professorship in Art History.

The $20 million gymnastics and spirit squads project -- paid for by athletics department revenue and private gifts -- is being built on the Hawkeye campus, adjacent to the women’s soccer facility on Prairie Meadow Drive.

“Our gymnastics program is incredibly thankful for Mary Lee’s generosity,” says Iowa women’s gymnastics head coach Jen Llewellyn. “This facility lifts our program to new heights and will have such a positive impact on our current student-athletes and future Hawkeyes.”

“The support and passion Mary Lee has provided our program over the years is amazing. We are truly grateful for her friendship,” said head cheerleading coach and spirit coordinator Gregg Niemiec. “Having the Marley dance floor and cheer mats permanently installed, the sound system built in, and game/fitness items just steps away is a game changer for our teams. We will have one of the top training facilities in the country.”

The Nagle name has been part of the Iowa City community for nearly 100 years. Mary Lee’s grandfather, Lee Nagle, began ownership and operation of Nagle Lumber Company in 1922, and was a founder of the First Capital National Bank, predecessor to the First National Bank. Mary Lee continued the Nagle ownership as a major investor and shareholder of the bank until its acquisition by US Bancorporation. Lee also represented Johnson County in the state legislature in the late 1920s. Mary Lee’s father (Leland) and brother (George) were second generation operators of Nagle Lumber and instrumental in the planning and growth of Iowa City.