LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech announced in a press release on Tuesday the generous donation from Tavis and Lexi Thompson.

This donation provided a “significant gift” to the Texas Tech athletics department. The Thompsons donation will be used to contribute to the south end zone and Dustin R. Womble Football Center project.

According to the press release, Texas Teach currently has $87 million dedicated for the more than $200 million project.

Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt said, “The Thompson family cares deeply about the future of this university and our athletics program, and we can’t thank them enough for this generous gift.”

Travis Thompson is a graduate of Texas Tech’s petroleum land management program and a board member of the Rawls College of Business advisory council. Thompson is the CEO for FireBird Energy LLC, an upstream oil and gas company founded in 2019.

Lexi Thompson, formerly O’Neal, is a Texas Tech School of Nursing graduate and was a track and field student-athlete. She competed in 400-meter hurdles, the 800 meters and the distance medley relay during her time in the program.

Wes Kittley, track and field head coach said, “Lexi was part of our first few signing classes after I arrived here at Texas Tech, so it’s been fun to watch her and her family continue to grow. Our entire program is so grateful for not only this gift but the support we receive annually from Lexi and her husband Travis.”

The press release stated the end zone and Womble Football Center project is scheduled to be completed before the 2024 football season.