PHILADELPHIA (June 29, 2021) – As part of the University's campus master plan, Saint Joseph's Athletics, friends and supporters will transform the current athletics space into a state-of-the-art Athletics Center. The project will meet and exceed the ever-changing needs and expectations of the Division I student-athlete, create campus community connection and engage fans like never before. Highlights include dedicated basketball training and practice facilities for the men's and women's programs, an indoor turf training facility, expanded high-performance facilities that support both physical and mental well-being, an enhanced gameday experience and multiple spaces for on-campus community building.
 
The $55-million fundraising campaign was launched with a $20 million leadership gift from alumnus, James J. Maguire '58, who will continue to champion the remainder of philanthropic efforts. 
 
"This amazing facility will move as fast as we can raise the funds, and we are looking to the legions of passionate Hawks who care so much about St. Joe's basketball to get behind us. By getting involved in this effort, fans, friends and die-hard Hawks can help build the next chapter of St. Joe's athletics incredible legacy," said Maguire. "There are numerous opportunities to make an impact on, and even lend your name to, this facility  that will do so much to drive our winning culture at St. Joe's." 
 
Maguire's steadfast support of the University through the years has influenced countless institutional milestones including the expansion of the campus footprint, enrichment of academic programs and scholarships, as well as renovations of Frances M. Maguire Art Museum at the Barnes Arboretum. 
 
"Mr. Maguire is the definition of a St. Joe's Hawk - selfless, bold, resilient and honorable," said Director of Athletics Jill Bodensteiner. "We are extremely grateful, humbled, and proud that Mr. Maguire's unwavering support endorses our athletics mission to achieve competitive excellence, build community, and maximize the potential of our student-athletes as people, students and athletes."
 
The 27,000 square foot basketball practice facility will house the Saint Joseph's men's and women's basketball programs, with dedicated space for each team. This facility will serve as the foundation of the recruitment process, holistic student-athlete development and retention, and multidimensional programmatic success. In addition to the practice courts, the men's and women's basketball programs will have sport-specific strength and conditioning suites, sports medicine facilities and additional training spaces for their respective programs.  
 
"The announcement of the new basketball training and practice facilities shows the deep commitment Saint Joseph's University has to elevating the basketball programs on Hawk Hill," said Men's Basketball Head Coach Billy Lange. "I'd especially like to thank Mr. Maguire, President Reed, and Jill Bodensteiner as they have continually put the holistic development of St. Joe's student-athletes at the forefront."
 
"I'm excited about today's announcement not only as a coach, but as a former student-athlete and alum of Saint Joseph's," said Women's Basketball Head Coach Cindy Griffin '91, M '93. "The new facilities will provide an all-encompassing and enhanced foundation for our student-athletes to compete for championships on the court, represent St. Joe's with spirit and pride on campus and in the community, and grow as individuals."
 
The 19,000 square foot indoor turf training facility will benefit all 20 of Saint Joseph's Division I programs by creating an indoor space for the Hawks to train and practice year round. Accompanying this facility are new locker rooms and lounges that will provide vital gathering spaces to build community and culture among teams, along with touchdown spaces for programs that use the Lower Merion side of campus when they are accessing the key sports performance offerings in the Athletics Center.  Also, the indoor training facility plans include the creation of a new erg room that will level up the men's and women's rowing training space for nearly 100 St. Joe's student-athletes. 
 
In addition to the training and practice facilities, the reimagined Athletics Center will provide a new 9,000 square foot weight room with a cardio mezzanine and a dedicated sports medicine center that includes an athletic training room, physical therapy gym, private exam spaces and nutritionist's office. Affirming Saint Joseph's cura personalis approach to student formation, a private, spacious office for mental health care will offer support for student-athletes.
 
"Having an indoor facility to practice and train year round gives our student-athletes the best opportunity to reach our full potential on and off the field," said Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Taylor Wray. "This project overall and the associated resources provided shows the support and dedication the Saint Joseph's leadership team has for Athletics, the student-athletes, and all supporters of the Hawks community." 
 
"An indoor practice facility is a game changer for our student-athletes and gives them an untapped opportunity to improve in and out of season," said Women's Soccer Head Coach Jess Mannella. "Recruits and their families will see first-hand the support from University and athletics leadership with this new athletics center and the offerings for an incredibly positive student-athlete experience on Hawk Hill."
 
A beautiful new facade will visually integrate the athletics center with the campus aesthetics, reflecting the historic stone of Barbelin Hall, and serving as a new grand entrance for all Hawks coming to play, work, support, or visit. The reimagined space will provide an enhanced gameday experience, multiple locations for on-campus connection, and outdoor gathering spaces that create engagement of all Saint Joseph's students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, neighbors and fans.
 
"The Athletics Center is a cultivating project that fosters connections with all who share a passion for Saint Joseph's," said Bodensteiner. "This project's vision is shaped by the rich history and tradition on Hawk Hill, the continued development and care for the whole person, and most importantly, the project represents the full embodiment of The Hawk Will Never Die spirit and sense of pride for our University community and all St. Joe's Hawks."
 
Learn more about the University's campus master plan at sju.edu/masterplan.