New state of the art center set to elevate student experience and athletic excellence
Friday, August 23, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
By The Woodlands Student Center Staff
The John Cooper School in The Woodlands, Texas, offered a preview of its new 26,000-square-foot Athletic Center on Friday, August 23, 2024, for media, students, families, and the community. The Athletic Center will provide premier, collegiate-level quality facilities for our students and student athletes.
The official opening is set for Monday, August 26, when students will use the facility for the first time. Coinciding with this opening, the school also unveiled a new Astroturf for the football field, a new track surface, and a state-of-the-art digital scoreboard.
The facility includes (tap here)
The John Cooper School, already renowned for its academic excellence and impressive fine arts facilities, has now elevated its commitment to student development by opening a state-of-the-art Athletic Center. This new addition ensures that the school’s athletic offerings are on par with its other premier programs, creating a well-rounded environment for student success.
Located centrally within the school’s athletic complex, adjacent to Pugh Field and Dunlap Gym, the new Athletic Center is a modern marvel that will serve the diverse needs of students and student-athletes alike. Dr. Stephen Popp, Head of School, explained that the program started two years ago as part of the school's strategic plan to provide transformational experiences for current and future students. "We wanted to ensure that our students had access to top-tier facilities across all areas—academics, arts, and athletics," Dr. Popp said. "This new center reflects our commitment to nurturing the whole child and providing them with the resources to thrive both in and out of the classroom."
The facility includes a team room, a weight room, dedicated spaces for cheerleaders, and 300 lockers. A bridge connects the new facility to the main school, allowing students easy access even during inclement weather. The expanded training room features hydrotherapy tubs, taping tables, and a sports medicine office, all designed with student safety in mind. In addition to these features, the facility includes an equipment storage room with rolling hand crank storage shelving, ensuring that athletic gear is easily accessible and efficiently organized.
While the center is equipped with cutting-edge technology, the design maintains continuity with the main school’s aesthetic, ensuring that the new addition feels like an integral part of the campus rather than a separate entity. This thoughtful approach to design has been praised by students and faculty alike, who appreciate the seamless integration of modernity with tradition.
Jessica Holloway, Director of Marketing & Communications, emphasized that the project was a response to the growing demand for first-class facilities. "Our families have always valued excellence in every aspect of their children's education, and we’ve been known for our strong academic programs and incredible fine arts facilities. This Athletic Center now brings our athletic facilities to the same high standard," Holloway said. The center also boasts a mindfulness area and an outdoor plaza that overlooks Pugh Field, providing a space for community gatherings and celebrations.
"The new Athletic Center will significantly enhance student safety and athletic performance," said Dr. Stephen Popp, Head of School.
Coinciding with the opening of the Athletic Center, John Cooper also unveiled new turf for the football field, a new track surface, and a state-of-the-art digital scoreboard. John Hoye, Director of Athletics, highlighted how these enhancements, combined with the new center, create an unparalleled athletic environment. "The new turf and track, along with the digital scoreboard, represent our commitment to providing the best possible facilities for our students. These upgrades will not only improve the playing experience but also enhance school spirit and community engagement," Hoye said.
The advanced technology in the weight room includes data analytics to help athletes track their progress and improve workout efficiency. "We’ve invested in technology that not only enhances training but also provides our student-athletes with the tools they need to understand and improve their performance," Hoye added. He also noted the importance of the new facilities for fostering school spirit and engagement. "Whether it’s a Friday night football game or a spring track meet, this center is designed to be a hub of activity and pride for our students, parents, and alumni."
Cheer coach Marilu Harman expressed her excitement about the facility, which features a high-ceilinged gym with impact floors, mirrors, and competition-sized areas. "This is a big improvement for our cheerleaders, who previously had to search for places to practice on campus or utilize the Woodlands Elite facility. Now, everything we need is right here, which will significantly enhance our training and performance," Harman said. The dedicated cheerleading spaces include a dedicated cheerleader locker room that Harman described as a "dream," equipped with modern amenities like USB ports and individual storage spaces and personal mirror. "The proximity of the locker room to the practice areas and the field is a game-changer. It allows our cheerleaders to transition quickly between practice and games, making our routines more efficient and less stressful," she added.
Students echoed this sentiment, expressing their enthusiasm for the new facility. “Our favorite part of the new facility is the locker room and the views from the facility where you can see the track and the football field,” said Mariam A., a sophomore, and Ashley P., a junior. “We’re really happy that the cheerleaders now have their own space. The locker rooms are amazing, and I think all of the athletes will thrive in this facility,” they added.
The center’s opening marks a significant milestone for The John Cooper School, which has consistently been a leader in providing exceptional educational opportunities. The new Athletic Center is not just a place for physical training; it’s a space where students can develop leadership skills, build team camaraderie, and cultivate a lifelong commitment to health and wellness. The integration of this facility with the school’s existing programs underscores the institution’s holistic approach to education, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to excel in multiple areas of their life.
The new Astroturf for the football field and the upgraded track surface are designed with student safety and performance in mind. The turf offers enhanced durability and better shock absorption, reducing the risk of injuries. The track surface, with its state-of-the-art materials, provides athletes with an optimal running experience, supporting both training and competition. The digital scoreboard, strategically placed for maximum visibility, brings a modern touch to game days, allowing for real-time updates and engaging visuals that enhance the spectator experience.
"The investment in these facilities goes beyond just bricks and mortar," Dr. Popp remarked. "It’s about creating an environment where students can push their limits, discover new passions, and develop the skills that will carry them through life. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, or on the field, we want our students to have the best possible resources at their disposal."
The seamless connection between the Athletic Center and the main school through a covered bridge is a particularly thoughtful feature. This bridge not only ensures that students can move between classes and athletic activities without exposure to the elements but also symbolizes the school’s commitment to integrating athletics into the broader educational experience. The design of the bridge mirrors the architectural style of the main school building, further reinforcing the sense of continuity across the campus.
As the Athletic Center opens its doors, anticipation builds for the impact it will have on the school community. Parents, students, and faculty alike are eager to see how the new facilities will enhance the school’s athletic programs and contribute to the overall student experience. The John Cooper School has long been a place where academic rigor meets creative expression, and with the addition of this cutting-edge Athletic Center, it now stands as a beacon of excellence in athletics as well.
The center is expected to become a gathering place for students, families, and alumni, where memories are made, and school spirit is celebrated.
Athletic Center Details: https://www.johncooper.org/support-cooper/capital-campaign
For information on the John Cooper School: https://www.johncooper.org/
The Athletic Center will provide premier, collegiate-level quality facilities for our students and student athletes. Aligned with Cooper’s goals and philosophy to strengthen bodies, minds, teams, and our community, students across all grades and student athletes across all sports will utilize and benefit from this facility.
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