
New Locker Room Energizes Bulldogs
August 09, 2024 | Volleyball, Joel Coleman
State volleyball team receives a preseason surprise.
STARKVILLE – More than four months before Santa Claus loads up his sleigh, Christmas has come early for Mississippi State volleyball's student-athletes.
A completely refreshed, new-look locker room was revealed to the Bulldogs on Wednesday, eliciting shouts and screams of joy that were reminiscent of kids getting a first glimpse of a holiday haul.
"I'm so excited – this has been a long time in the making," MSU veteran and graduate student Rebecca Walk said. "We've been talking about wanting a new locker room for the past four years. Just getting to walk in here and be surprised was a really awesome feeling."
In recent days, the locker room remodel – a fully donor-funded project – was taking shape in secret. All the secrecy came to an end though when the Bulldogs entered their new digs and responded by celebrating in such a way the walls of the Newell-Grissom Building had to have been shaking.
"This is a blessing in disguise honestly, because no one told us about it," senior Amina Shackelford said. "It makes it all worthwhile coming to practice and games knowing that we can relax and reset in here [in the new locker room].
"It's truly amazing. It's nice knowing we have so much support coming from people that some of us haven't even met and just knowing everyone loves and supports us. Thank you to all the donors. Especially being a senior and getting to be in this environment for my last year is such a blessing."
Did a little bit of "redecorating" during the offseason 😉#HailState🐶 pic.twitter.com/wzSifKgTrQ
— Mississippi State Volleyball (@HailStateVB) August 8, 2024
Volleyball's new locker room is just the latest completed piece of MSU athletics' comprehensive long-term master plan for all athletic facilities. Previously revealed were soon-to-be completed upgrades at Humphrey Coliseum which feature redesigned team areas for the Bulldog basketball programs, as well as a new premium club section for fans.
Now, it's volleyball's turn for a fresh coat of paint plus a whole lot more. Head coach Julie Darty Dennis couldn't be happier with the outcome and appreciative to those who made it possible.
"I think this upgrade gives our team a whole different perspective," Dennis said. "They've been a hard-working group for years and years and years, but this enhancement gives them a locker room they have so much pride in and so much joy. They can sit in here and just be excited about the future of this program…It's just a great time to be a Mississippi State volleyball player.
"Being at Mississippi State, I know that we're supported and the resources that are being poured into our program are absolutely incredible. We want to give our student-athletes a transformative experience and give them the best that we possibly can. Having a facility that's volleyball only is second to none, but having a locker room that is top end and completely redone is incredible. It gives me goosebumps to think about how excited [the team members'] faces were when they walked in and saw it."
The Bulldogs will now have the opportunity to get comfortable in their new locker room throughout the preseason leading up to the season opener on August 30 at Samford. State will play its first home match of the season against Michigan on Friday, September 6, as part of the StarkVegas Classic.
Whether on the road or at home this season, State players might just be playing with a little extra motivation. It'll be another way they can all say, 'Thanks' for the love they feel from the Bulldog Club and all those who have shown yet again that Mississippi State continually has its student-athletes' backs.
"It means a lot to know that we are not only supported on the court but off the court as well," sophomore Mary Neal said. "They care about us here more than just for being an athlete. They care about our recovery and everything we need like the new locker room. It just means a lot."
Added Walk: "It's awesome to be here and just really feel seen and valued as a girl in sports. I think this university has just gone above and beyond for women's sports and I'm really grateful for that."