Imagine More: New Locker Rooms!

For those of you who have been inside our varsity boys’ and girls' locker rooms or had the privilege of stepping inside the middle school locker room, you understand that our outdated and worn-out lockers, fixtures and flooring do not scream “excellence.” The lack of space, including insufficient locker space, leads to overcrowding and safety issues. There are also hygiene concerns with unsanitary conditions.

Our plan is to renovate and expand our current locker room facilities. Over 80% of our students in grades 6-12 compete in athletics. I love the fact we have so many students participating in athletics, but it has placed a tremendous strain on our aging locker room. We will actually add an additional boys’ and girls' varsity locker room by utilizing the stage area in the Gonzalez-Lobo Activities Center, giving us two additional varsity locker rooms. We will also renovate the boys' middle school locker room.

Our newly renovated locker rooms will enhance the overall experience for our student-athletes. In any sport, performance is influenced by a variety of factors, including mental and emotional well-being. The physical environment plays a crucial role in this regard. Outdated locker rooms with poor lighting, insufficient storage or uncomfortable seating can contribute to a sense of dissatisfaction, which can negatively impact an athlete's mindset. Conversely, modern locker rooms with high-quality amenities, ample space and ergonomic designs help athletes feel comfortable and valued. 

In addition to individual benefits, newly renovated locker rooms help foster team cohesion and camaraderie. The design of a locker room can contribute to team culture by promoting a sense of unity and pride. For instance, you will notice we have incorporated our school logo, player nameplates and other branding elements which can inspire athletes and remind them of the shared goals they are working toward. Moreover, open and spacious locker room layouts encourage social interaction and team bonding. Athletes often spend a significant amount of time in the locker room before and after games or practices, and creating an environment where they feel comfortable can lead to stronger team dynamics and a more positive atmosphere overall.

The project is currently in the permitting phase and we hope to begin the construction process this summer. The new lockers have a lead time of eight weeks, so we need to raise this money quickly so that we can complete the project before the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Please reach out to Kathy Savage or me if you would be interested in contributing to our new locker room and locker project. I can be reached at shirstein@steds.org and Kathy can be reached at ksavage@steds.org. 

Together we can give our student-athletes a space they can be proud of.

I look forward to seeing you around campus!

Stuart