The UTRGV Athletics Department announced its plans to construct the Lew Hill Memorial Plaza as part of the $30-million renovations to enhance sports facilities.
UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque, Men’s Basketball Head Coach Matt Figger and Renee Hill, widow of Lew Hill, made the announcement last Wednesday outside the UTRGV Fieldhouse.
Renee Hill said the memorial means a lot to her and her family.
“This means more than just the monument or just the name,” she said. “It means all of the student-athletes and people that will come here will feel [his] presence.”
Lew Hill was the former head coach for the UTRGV Men’s Basketball team until he suddenly died on Feb. 7, 2021, at the age of 55.
The memorial plaza will be located outside the UTRGV Fieldhouse.
Figger said he still feels Lew Hill’s presence in the office.
“Every time I walk into this office, walk into that gym, his presence is felt in a positive way,” he said. “He always stood for peace and love. … We’re moving forward to continue to honor his memory here and celebrate the man he was, the husband that he was and the coach that he is.”
Conque said UTRGV wanted to honor Lew Hill in a meaningful way.
“It’s the whole campus community, the leadership, very supportive finding a special way to honor coach,” he said.
According to Conque, the university hopes for construction to begin in the spring or summer of next year and is expected to finish in 2025.
This is Rodolfo Alvarado for Vaquero Radio.
