American University Director of Athletics Dr. Billy Walker and President Dr. Neil Kerwin officially unveiled the newly renovated locker rooms in Bender Arena in a ceremonial ribbon cutting event on Friday, September 20th. Student-athletes from all of AU’s athletic programs as well as numerous head coaches, staff, faculty, students, alumni and fans were on hand for the event.
Both Walker and Kerwin addressed those in attendance before cutting the ribbon along with three student-athletes serving on AU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
“This was a tremendous transformation from what we previously had here at Bender Arena and it is an impressive accomplishment that these facilities were completed earlier this August,” said Walker.
Renovations began immediately following commencement in May and continued throughout the summer with demolition, restructuring and remodeling completed a few weeks ago. The renovations include new locker rooms for men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country/track and field, volleyball, field hockey, women’s lacrosse, wrestling and men’s and women’s soccer. AU’s athletic training room was also expanded and updated, including state-of-the-art equipment to help AU student-athlete perform at their highest possible level.
“We now have a space that is not only appropriate for the student-athletes, coaches and staff that we have assembled here at American University but it also makes a statement for every team and institution that visits this campus about the type of priority we place on athletics, recreation and health in general,” said Kerwin.
The success of American University Athletics is largely dependent on the generous donations from Eagles Fans and AU Alumni. These new facilities are thanks in part to gifts such as those. For locker room naming opportunities, please contact Director of Development, Athletics & Recreation, D.A. Phillips at (202) 590-5003.
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Once an Eagle always an Eagle! Be a part of the team behind the team by leaving a lasting legacy. Name a locker in honor of a family member or a former teammate. By naming a locker you have the ability to impact the next generation of AU Eagles. Your honoree’s name will appear on a 1.5 x 3 satin aluminum plate, up to 100 characters, and mounted on the sport locker of your choice.