The soccer teams are set to get their own locker rooms this summer.
The locker rooms are under construction at the southeast corner of Stars Field near the current visitors’ bleachers. The two-story building will contain 48 lockers.
The first floor will contain 24 men’s lockers, separate from 24 women’s lockers and offices for the coaches. The second floor will be a common area players can use as a lounge and study area.
“Since we’ve had the program, we’ve not had a locker room where people can see the tradition of the program,” said Coach Brian Harvey in a 2013 OCU sports article.
Nathan Doll, assistant soccer coach, said the new building will help current and future soccer players.
“It’s going to be good for the players and the team,” he said. “We can use them as a recruiting tool and bring recruits into the common area to teach them about OCU soccer.”
Previously, the soccer teams shared locker rooms with other athletes in the Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center, which meant they had to go between the gym and the field.
“I’m really glad we are getting our own place,” Junior Defender Judah Maxwell said. “It’s nice to have somewhere we can call our own.”
Funding for the new building was provided by alumni and corporate sponsors.
“We’ve relied a lot on donations by alumni to start building, it’s something Coach Harvey has wanted to do for the team since he first started here, and he’s really spearheaded this project for the last five years,” Doll said.
Sophomore Midfielder Keeley Brewer said she’s grateful to Harvey and the whole athletic community.
“I think they’re going to look amazing for starters, and I think they’re going to be a real asset to the soccer team, who has not had a space of their own to really get ready and focus on our competition.”
The locker rooms are scheduled to be completed by early summer.
Contributing: Multimedia Editor Miguel Rios
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