MORAGA, Calif. — The Saint Mary's College athletics department has made several major facility improvements in the past several years under Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Matoso, revamping an already beautiful setting in Moraga, to now include state-of-the art facilities to enhance the student-athlete and fan experience.
 
This summer, the Gaels are continuing their surge in facility improvements, with several finishing completion and more breaking ground.
 
Thanks to many philanthropic gifts, trustee commitments and campus support, the following are the many major improvements on the SMC campus underway.
 
"We are excited to announce the progress of our athletic facility projects," Matoso said. "Obviously last year was a tough year for everyone, but there is a lot of excitement as we plan for this coming fall and the future of Gael Athletics, and all of these facility projects play a huge role in our future success. I cannot thank our donors enough for their generosity, and the support of President Richard Plumb and the Board of Trustees."
 
"This is a tremendous time to be involved at Saint Mary's College. Since my arrival, I've quickly learned how generous our supporters are, and how much passion they have for the Gaels," President Richard Plumb said. "These improvements will benefit not only our student-athletes but the entire campus community. I can't wait to see the conclusion of these game-changing projects."
 
SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER
The most recent completion, the Gaels renovated their current space to include a state-of-the-art facility, with brand new equipment, recovery areas, new technology and a space to help all 275 student-athletes recover and prepare for competition.
 
The sports medicine center is steps away from the recently completed Arnaudon Family Practice Facility, which was completed last year, thanks to a generous gift from Tracy and John Arnaudon '80.
 
UNIVERSITY CREDIT UNION PAVILION
Breaking ground this week, Saint Mary's will begin construction on a new locker room, coaching offices, video room and recovery area for men's basketball in the rear of the pavilion. On the second floor, there will be a fan concession and gathering area, along with new restrooms and an elevator to access the second level.
 
The current side wings of UCU Pavilion will begin to be completely renovated, giving an entire wing for women's basketball and an entire wing for women's volleyball, each featuring new locker rooms, coaches offices, training rooms and laundry rooms.
 
SMC is grateful to all donors who have been involved in the project, including the Kalmanovitz Foundation, Kevin Nagle, Bernie Orsi '65, Clare HON and George Schmitt '65 and Mercedes and Michael Stead HON.
 
GAEL GATHERING PLAZA
Alongside UCU Pavilion, breaking ground this summer will be an area for fans, student-athletes and the community to gather before, during and after games. Saint Mary's will be building an area that will be utilized during basketball games as a ticketed area, featuring food, drinks, games and tv's. The rest of the year, the area will be open for all student-athletes and the community to gather, eat, hang out and enjoy the beautiful weather.
 
SMC thanks Julie and Jim Vieira and Cal Mill for their generous support of the plaza.
 
BR. RONALD GALLAGHER STADIUM
The second ground breaking this summer will be the seating area at Br.. Ronald Gallagher Stadium. Site work is underway, and new permanent seats and a press box will begin to be installed this fall. The stadium will also feature a new entrance and new dugouts and viewing site lines for fans.
 
The project has been greatly supported by Marilyn Bohl, Don DeLong '50†, and Rick Revilgio '88. 
 
COTTRELL FIELD
The softball field has seen steady improvements this year, including the completion of a new Daktronics scoreboard in left field. This summer, the addition of a temporary press box, new bullpens and improved hitting areas will begin.
 
SPORTS PERFORMANCE CENTER
This past winter, the Gaels unveiled their new state-of-the-art sports performance center, located adjacent to Madigan Gym. The training area was fully opened this past spring for all student-athletes to train in. The JoAnne and Nick Moore '63 Weight Room is the heart of the sports performance center.