Coker University broke ground on the Garrett Bakhsh Fan Den on November 27, 2023. The stadium seating will honor Garrett Bakhsh, a Coker freshman who died in January 2020 from a bar shooting in Hartsville. 

Bakhsh’s parents, Natalie and Brad Bakhsh created the Garrett Tazwell Bakhsh Memorial Fund to fund a men’s and women’s lacrosse fieldhouse at Coker to be named after him. Garrett played lacrosse for Coker after earning a scholarship to play. 

“We wanted to do something (at Coker) because it's where he would want to be,” Brad said. “It’s where his heart was.” 

Coker meant “everything” to Garrett, Brad said. He bonded deeply with his teammates, professors, and coaches during his time here. 

Raising money for the stadium seating proved easy for the Bakhshs. The couple received donations from friends and family in Maryland and Garrett’s friends in South Carolina. The couple lives in Maryland and does all fundraising events there. 

“Everyone was so willing to jump in,” Brad said.

The Bakhshs hope their son’s legacy will inspire current and future Cobras to embrace togetherness. 

Coker University’s Vice President for Athletics and Athletic Facilities, Dr. Lynn Griffin, has worked with the Bakhshs during this project.

“Garrett made an impact on Coker’s campus,” Griffin said. “He never met a stranger, and he had a way of making everyone he came in contact with laugh. He lived life to the fullest, and he loved Coker. We will continue working with the family to honor Garrett and his passion for Coker and the lacrosse team.