Donors Support Women's Soccer Locker Room Renovation

The Northern Michigan University women's soccer team won its second-consecutive GLIAC Regular Season Championship and defeated Michigan Tech 5-0 in Tuesday's opening round of the postseason tournament. NMU will host the remainder of the playoffs this weekend, with the goal of earning a second-straight GLIAC Championships as well. After the Wildcats achieved both titles last year, Head Coach Jon Sandoval recognized that elevating the team's facilities would be essential to continuing the program's success. A $10,000 locker room renovation was completed prior to the start of this season through the generous support of more than 85 private donors who collectively surpassed the fundraising goal.

Sandoval said the project is more than a physical upgrade; it enhances the entire team experience for NMU student-athletes.

"For our current players, a modernized, comfortable and functional space fosters a greater sense of pride, unity and motivation," he added. "It becomes a place where they can connect, prepare and celebrate together. For recruits, it's a clear indicator of our commitment to their development and well-being, showing them that we are a program that invests in our athletes. This upgrade strengthens our program's appeal, making NMU women's soccer a more attractive choice for talented players looking to compete and grow in a supportive environment."

The upgrades include an updated mural with photos from the first championship; new NMU decals and a green LED light feature that shows the Upper Peninsula and the Wildcat logo; wall displays of individual and team achievements; new sound system; and a dedicated space for food storage and preparation that includes built-in kitchen cabinets and shelving, an extra-large refrigerator, microwave and coffee/tea station.

"I think the new speakers and surround sound system is the most exciting thing from our recent renovations," said player Calihan Bearden. "Listening to music in preparation for games is a huge part of our game-day rituals, and the new speaker system has taken our pregame to a whole new level."

"As a player, I feel incredibly appreciated and supported by our community," added teammate Angelina Perritano. "Knowing that our loved ones and community believe in us as much as we believe in ourselves motivates us to work even harder to make them proud."

Jess Jones, a former NMU Foundation employee who played for the Wildcats from 2000-2002 before transferring, was among those who made a gift to the renovation project.

"I personally know the difference and meaning that gifts of all sizes make to Wildcat athletic programs," she said. "It has been exciting to cheer on the team's success and growth over the past few seasons. It's also inspiring to support student-athletes as they excel not only on the field, but in their academics and campus involvement. Seeing their dedication is truly impressive. I appreciate being able to bring my kids to the games and watch these amazing role models both on and off the field."

The program's core values-called the "Starting 11" as in the starting lineup-are prominently displayed in the renovated locker room. Sandoval said they were developed by the coaching staff after about nine months of getting to know the program, players and community so they would effectively reflect the team's identity. They are:

We play for each other

We compete every day

We fall in love with the process

We treat our teammates as humans

We treat everyone with respect

We fear no one

We are not victims

We are not fragile

We are blue-collared

We are noble and self-sacrificing

We embrace our chip

The Wildcat women will have home-field advantage in their next game against Davenport in a GLIAC tournament semifinal on Friday, Nov. 15 (time TBA). A win would propel them to the GLIAC Championship game at 1 p.m. Sunday.