October 10, 2025 — Under a bright Clovis sky and the cheers of nearly 200 attendees, Clovis Community College officially broke ground on its first-ever sports complex—a project years in the making that promises to change the landscape for student-athletes and the wider community alike.
The new facility will carry the name of philanthropist and educator Jami Hamel De La Cerda, founder and CEO of the Diamond Learning Center, whose $500,000 donation helped bring the long-awaited project to life. The center, which serves individuals with intellectual disabilities through both academic and employment opportunities, has long held a partnership with Clovis Community College—a relationship rooted in mentorship and inclusion.
“This is a reminder to include someone every day,” De La Cerda said, reflecting on what it means to see her organization’s and her sons’ names on the complex. “We all participate in lifelong learning, and this is an amazing opportunity to help shape that for others.”
Clovis Community College President Dr. Kim Armstrong addressed the crowd with an emotional speech celebrating both the college’s growth and De La Cerda’s generosity. “On the surface, this is a ceremonial moment,” Armstrong said. “But if you pause for just a moment, you realize what we’re really doing here is planting a dream. We’re turning soil into opportunity.”
Armstrong highlighted the importance of what the new complex represents—not just for Clovis Community College, but for the region as a whole. “This complex will serve generations of athletes,” she said. “It stands as a monument to the idea that learning is for everyone and that all are welcome here.”
James Sewell, Director of Athletics at Clovis Community College, called the groundbreaking “transformational.” He said the new complex, which is slated for completion in December 2026, has been in planning for nearly four years. “We really want this to be home for everyone,” Sewell said. “We hope to host high school events, youth leagues, and championships. It’s about embracing our local community and creating opportunities for all.”
The addition of the complex follows a period of athletic expansion at the college, which recently introduced women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s tennis, bringing the total to eleven sports under the Clovis Crush banner.
For Stephanie Babb, the college’s Director of Marketing and Communications, the day was both celebratory and symbolic. “We’re very excited, thankful, and blessed,” Babb said. “This was much needed and much wanted. It’s a reflection of how much our college and our community value athletics.”
As golden shovels turned the earth, it wasn’t just the start of construction—it was a sign of continued collaboration. The Diamond Learning Center and Clovis Community College have shared a commitment to inclusive education for years, and that partnership continues to strengthen. “We’re cultivating human potential,” De La Cerda said. “It makes me proud to know that what we build here will help future generations grow stronger, both in mind and body.”
The future sports complex will soon stand as more than just a collection of fields and facilities—it will be a lasting reminder of community spirit, shared purpose, and the belief that opportunity should always have a place to play.