It’s a moment that Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) Athletic Director and Basketball Coach, Deanna Bradley, has been waiting for since the “old gym” on campus closed 14 years ago – the moment in which she will walk the SMWC basketball team from their own locker room to their own home court for a basketball game.
That moment will happen at the inaugural basketball game in SMWC’s new Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center on Nov. 15, 2014, at 2 p.m., as the Pomeroys face Lincoln Christian University.
“Being able to play games in the new facility goes beyond words,” states Bradley. “We have been blessed by those willing to allow us to use their facilities off campus for so many years, but now, it’s nice to be back on the SMWC campus, our Pomeroy home.”
Senior basketball player, Alaura Mckemie, expresses how having a home court advantage will affect their team.
“I really think it will bring a lot of intensity to our team,” Mckemie states. “Our opponents always have the home court advantage when we travel. Now that we have our own gym on campus, we will be able to have classmates and friends cheer us on like we deserve.”
President Dottie King, Ph.D., will toss the ceremonial jump ball for the game.
“SMWC has taken many historical steps in the last few years. This first basketball game will be a huge part of the history of the Knoerle Center,” states Bradley. “We are all a part of history when we take those first steps to do something different, to venture beyond our comfort levels and make moments, days, years, memorable for those who follow.”
The official ribbon cutting celebration for the Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center will take place on Dec. 3, 2014.