In April 2021, the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics broke ground on a new state-of-the-art indoor practice facility for the Fighting Illini softball program thanks to a $3 million lead naming gift from Rex Martin and his daughters, Ashley Martin and Alexis Martin-Klose. Made in honor of their late wife and mother, Alice Martin, their gift named the facility the Rex and Alice A. Martin Softball Training Center.

The new $6 million Rex and Alice A. Martin Softball Training Center provides a premier indoor performance and development facility for Fighting Illini softball student-athletes. The structure, measuring approximately 13,000 square feet, was constructed adjacent to the existing softball clubhouse and includes a full infield as well as hitting and pitching cages. The center’s ability to host full infield practice is rare among comparable softball training facilities. Other features include a new recruiting lobby and hall of fame, an expanded player lounge, increased storage, and improved parking.