CHANUTE, Kan. – Neosho County Community College (NCCC) alum and current Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Matt Strahm has pledged $330,000 to renovate the school’s wellness center on their Chanute campus.
The renovation on the wellness center will provide upgraded equipment and improve training facilities for the student-athletes and the community. The renovation is expected to begin soon and is projected to be finished by the Fall 2025 semester.
The wellness center will be renamed to the Strahm Family Strength Center and will be nicknamed “The Spot”. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held for the center with more information to come. The center will also be used for classes such as Senior Fitness and will be open for the school’s employees and students.
Chanute Campus, is set to receive renovations this summer thanks to a $330k donation from NCCC
alumnus and MLB pitcher Matt Strahm. (Huntyr Schwegman | NCCC)
“NCCC was the place that game me my shot, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the opportunities I had here,” Strahm said. “Fitness and training are crucial for any athlete, and I want to make sure future Panthers have access to the best facilities possible.
Strahm graduated from NCCC in 2012 after a successful two-year baseball career for the Panthers. He earned All-KJCCC honors in 2011 and 2012, earned NJCAA All-American honors, and helped the Panthers reach the NJCAA World Series in 2012. Strahm committed to transfer to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, but forwent the decision after being drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 21st round in 2012, signing with KC with a $100,000 signing bonus.
The West Fargo, N.D. native played in the minor league for five seasons, but was promoted to the Royals in July 31, 2016 after star closer Wade Davis want on the injured list. Strahm made his MLB debut the same day against the Texas Rangers in Arlington. He made 21 relief appearances in 2016, striking out 30 batters in 22.0 innings.
During the 2017 season, Strahm was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he earned a key spot in the bullpen. He helped the Padres reach the postseason in 2020, where they won the NL Wild Card Series against St. Louis, but fell in the NL Divisional against the eventual champion LA Dodgers. After one season with the Boston Red Sox in 2022, Strahm moved on to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, where he earned his first MLB All-Star appearance in 2024.
NCCC Head Baseball Coach Steve Murry, who coached for Strahm, expressed his gratitude to the donation. “Matt [Strahm] has always been someone who remembers where he came from,” Murry said. “This generous gift is going to have a lasting impact on our student-athletes and help them train at a higher level. We couldn’t be more thankful for his continued support of NCCC.
This is an incredible investment in our student and our institution,” NCCC President Dr. Brian Inbody said. “Matt’s generosity is a testament to the strong connection he still feels to the Chanute community and we are honored to have his name associated with this facility. His gift will benefit our students for years to come.”
