The Defender Way
The habits and patterns and forged in the DeWitt gymnasium that started out as informal guidelines coalesced into a formal structure the Athletic Department is built upon in 2018 - the Defender Way.
Rozenboom Family Athletic Center
Home of Dordt Defenders Athletics
The Rozenboom Family Athletic Center, home to the De Witt Gymnasium and Rec Center, has long played a critical role in Dordt University athletics. It’s where student-athletes have been shaped into leaders on and off the court, and now we have the opportunity to expand and enhance this space for future generations.
From the first tip-off, this gym has been more than a place for competition—it’s where the Defender Way was born, rooted in faith, excellence, and teamwork. Here, athletes grow into servant leaders, develop lifelong bonds, and succeed in all aspects of life.
As we expand this space, we build on the Defender Way and continue to shape student-athletes for years to come. Your support will help us create a place where future generations of Defenders can grow, compete, and lead.
PHASE 1
Phase 1 of the project has been completed thanks to the generosity of supporters across Defender Nation. Defenders are already enjoying the use of new competition and practice courts, expanded weight training areas, and locker room upgrades.
Other highlights of this phase include a new indoor track, updated branding, and a two-story indoor golf simulator used by our golf teams.
FULLY FUNDED, CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED
PHASE 2
In May of 2025, we will break ground on Phase 2 of the project which is fully funded. This renovation will include expansions and updates to the athletic training room, offices, classrooms, team meeting spaces, and locker rooms.
FULLY FUNDED, CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS
PHASE 3
Phase 3 of the project will include the installation of a new court and bleachers. The De Witt Gymnasium will also expand to the north and south, upgrading the lobby and adding a hospitality area. Other amenities include two new locker rooms for athletes, a new speaker system, and air conditioning in the gymnasium.
GOAL: $17 MILLION, CONSTRUCTION PENDING FUNDRAISING
Get Involved
Naming the Court
The court of the De Witt Gymnasium is being named in honor of Rick Vander Berg and Len Rhoda, two significant figures in the history of Dordt basketball. Both men embodied a commitment to equipping student-athletes to be servant leaders, challenging their teams to grow not only as competitors but also as individuals who pursued excellence in all areas of life. Their dedication helped lay the groundwork for what would become the Defender Way—a culture of faith, learning, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence. This gym was the forge where those ideals were first shaped, refining athletes and teams who would carry those values forward.
Sponsor a Locker
In the two renovated locker rooms and two new locker rooms being built there will be name plates on each locker available for alumni to sponsor. With a gift totaling $2,500, alumni are invited to sponsor a locker in the locker room of their choice.
Named Spaces
In addition to the lockers within the locker rooms, there will be a limited quantity of other spaces available to be sponsored including training rooms, locker rooms, and coaches offices. To inquire about these spaces, please reach out to Kyle Lindbergh.