ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Washington University in St. Louis Associate Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs and Director of Athletics Anthony J. Azama has announced locker room and equipment room upgrades that will begin on May 18.
 
The project will be a comprehensive gut renovation, overhauling approximately 16,000 square feet on the first floor of the Athletic Complex.
 

The renovation, which is projected to be completed in December of 2026, will build on the Bears' mission of equity between all sports. Seven women's teams will receive new locker rooms in the renovation: golf, tennis, basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball and cross country/track and field. Additionally, the equipment room will add much-needed space to the growing needs of WashU Athletics.
 
"We are thrilled about the tremendous impact this state-of-the-art project will have across our department — elevating the student-athlete experience, providing our coaches with improved spaces to teach and develop our teams, and transforming the equipment room so we can serve our 19 programs more effectively and equitably," said Azama. "We are also incredibly grateful for the shared vision and strong partnership we have with university leadership, including Chancellor Martin and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Gonzalez. WashU is a special place!"
 
The project is being completed by the Tarlton Corporation, a women-owned, St. Louis-based company that was founded in 1946 and has completed many large-scale projects throughout the city and beyond.
 
The upgraded locker rooms will feature WashU-branded lockers, equipped with power outlets, storage and padded seating. Additionally, all locker rooms will have monitors and whiteboards for instruction of our scholar-champions.
 
The renovated equipment room will feature an expanded footprint, adding 1,100 square feet to the current space. There will also be mobile storage units to better store Nike apparel for all the Bears' programs.
 
"The new athletic facility will be a game-changer for our student-athletes," said Women's Basketball Head Coach Lisa Stone. "It enhances their daily experience by providing a first-class environment for training, recovery, and connection, while also signaling the University's commitment to excellence and holistic development. This project will help us continue to recruit, develop, and support champions on and off the court."
 
"I'm incredibly grateful for this investment in our experience as scholar-champions," added women's golf junior and SAAC co-president Reagan Robinson. "My team and I are so excited about this project because it will create a space where we can come together, whether it's before practice, during downtime to do homework, or simply to see a friendly face. The upgraded facilities will make such a difference in how we train and collaborate in team meetings, while also giving us even more opportunities to connect as a team off the course. It truly reflects WashU Athletics' commitment to creating an environment where we can succeed both athletically and academically, which is what makes WashU so special. This investment will have an impact far beyond just when we're competing, and I couldn't be more grateful to those making it possible."

 
In addition to the completely renovated locker rooms, wet spaces will be upgraded with modernized showers and bathroom facilities. Men's cross country and track and field and men's tennis locker rooms will also be relocated into existing, upgraded spaces.
 
What University Leadership is Saying:
"Our student-athletes deserve first-class facilities, and these renovations will deliver. The transformed spaces represent a serious investment in every student-athlete at WashU, reflecting our commitment to supporting every dimension of their well-being as a foundation for lifelong success."

• Chancellor Andrew D. Martin

 
"By providing our scholar-champions with state-of-the-art locker rooms and high-performance equipment spaces, we are ensuring that their environment matches their caliber of competition and their dedication to their sport."

• Dr. Anna "Dr. G" Gonzalez, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

 
"Investing in the renovation and renewal of the athletic locker rooms project directly supports the university's mission of creating equitable, safe, welcoming, and purpose-driven spaces for students. Reinvesting in these facilities will enhance student-athletes' wellness, recovery, performance, and sense of belonging, changing their overall experience. I am inspired by Athletics' commitment to renewal and reinvestment, which reflects responsible financial management and a strong commitment to providing healthy spaces."

• Melissa Rockwell-Hopkins, Associate Vice Chancellor for Operations, Facilities

 
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Elevating scholar-champions requires resources beyond the institutional budget. Through the W Club, generous alumni, parents, and friends provide unrestricted support that is essential to the extraordinary WashU student-athlete experience—and the ongoing growth and development of the department. Annual support for Athletics allows the Bears to consistently rise to national levels of competition and ensures that our student-athletes enjoy exceptional opportunities as they train, compete, and lead. To make a gift to the Annual Fund for Athletics, please visit our secure online giving form or contact the Athletics Advancement Office at athletics@wustl.edu.