The John Cooper School’s new athletic center unveiled in opening ceremony

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The John Cooper School recently held a grand opening ceremony of its newly constructed athletic center. This state-of-the-art center denotes a significant milestone in enhancing athletic opportunities and community engagement for Cooper Dragons, students, faculty, staff, and families.

The 26,000-square-foot facility is located on the east side of the campus of the school, adjacent to the Pugh Field and Dunlap Gym. It boasts several innovations and enhancements to help provide the best for student athletics.

Key features of the center include a team room equipped with advanced technology for team meetings, film review, and flexible seating arrangements; expanded weight facilities for strength training and skill development; state-of-the-art amenities for athletes and coaches, including hydrotherapy tubs, treatment tables, and a dedicated sports medicine office; dedicated spaces for cheer practice, group fitness sessions, and Lower School physical education classes; and an outdoor plaza overlooking Pugh Field and Pate Track, ideal for community gatherings and celebrations.

At the unveiling event, Woodlands Online, along with other members of the media, alumni, and families, were given a tour of the facilities and greeted by Head of School Dr. Stephen Popp.

“This is the culmination of a thirteen-month project that our community fueled with their support and their commitment to our students and student athletes. This center is inclusive of more than 300 lockers, a fitness room, and a 3,000-square-foot weight room, all with a new training room that compliments other renovations we conducted over the summer to include a new brand new track and additional seating for our fans,” Popp told Woodlands Online.

Additionally, Cooper has installed a new track surface for the Pate Track and Field, a new field turf for Pugh Field, expanded seating for families and visitors, and a new digital scoreboard.

“We have our Cooper community to thank for all of this. They believe not only in this endeavor, but also in our approach to educating the whole child and giving students the opportunities to thrive not just in the classroom and on the stage but also on the field,” said Popp to Woodlands Online. “We also have our board of trustees to thank for their leadership.”

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