BREAKING NEWS: Courtney Deifel, Head Coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks Softball Team, Invests \$3.6 Million to Transform House into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Arkansas After Serious Wake-Up Call
In an inspiring act of compassion and leadership, University of Arkansas Razorbacks softball head coach Courtney Deifel has announced a personal investment of \$3.6 million to convert a large estate property into a shelter for homeless youth in the state. The move comes after what Deifel described as a “serious and sobering wake-up call” while mentoring at a local outreach center earlier this year.
Deifel, one of the most respected coaches in collegiate softball, was volunteering with her team at a community service event in downtown Little Rock when she met a 16-year-old girl named Mya who had been sleeping in a car with her two younger siblings for weeks.
“She looked me in the eye and asked if I knew what it felt like to go to bed hungry and scared,” Deifel recalled during Friday’s press conference. “That moment shook me. I realized I couldn’t walk away from that conversation and do nothing.”
The result of that life-changing encounter is The Harbor Home a 12,000-square-foot former bed-and-breakfast on the outskirts of Fayetteville that Deifel purchased and is now renovating into a full-service shelter and resource center for displaced and at-risk youth. The facility will house up to 40 residents at a time, providing them with not just a place to sleep, but a comprehensive support system that includes mental health services, education assistance, mentorship, and vocational training.
Partnering with local nonprofits and child welfare agencies, The Harbor Home is designed to be more than a shelter—it’s a pathway to stability and success.
“I want every kid who walks through those doors to feel safe, seen, and supported,” Deifel said. “Too many youth fall through the cracks, especially in rural communities. We’re building something to catch them before they hit rock bottom.
The total project cost is estimated at \$4.2 million, with Deifel personally covering \$3.6 million through a combination of savings, private investments, and deferred endorsement earnings. The remaining funds are being raised through a newly launched community campaign that has already received enthusiastic backing from University of Arkansas alumni, local businesses, and Razorback fans nationwide.
Chancellor Charles Robinson praised Deifel’s decision, calling it “a reflection of what the Razorback spirit truly means—using your platform to serve and uplift others.” Members of the Razorbacks softball team, many of whom have joined Deifel in volunteering at shelters and youth centers over the past year, expressed their pride in their coach’s example.
“I’ve never met someone so driven to make change,” said Razorbacks pitcher Chenise Delce. “Coach doesn’t just talk about being a role model—she shows us what that looks like every day.
Youth homelessness remains a growing crisis in Arkansas, especially among LGBTQ+ youth and teens aging out of foster care. According to the Arkansas Homeless Coalition, over 5,000 youth experience homelessness each year across the state, many of them without access to safe shelter or reliable support services.
The Harbor Home is expected to open its doors in early 2026 and will operate with a full-time staff including licensed social workers, educators, and trauma counselors. Plans for the facility also include a community garden, recreational spaces, and a scholarship fund to help residents transition to higher education or the workforce.
When asked what inspired her to take on such a massive project, Deifel didn’t hesitate.
This isn’t about softball or fame,” she said. “It’s about responsibility. I’ve been blessed with a career I love and a platform that reaches thousands. If I don’t use that to make a difference, then what’s it all for?
As The Harbor Home begins renovations and community donations pour in, one thing is clear—Courtney Deifel’s legacy will reach far beyond the diamond.
