In early September, construction was finalized on Poolesville High School’s new gym wing, complete with locker rooms and bathrooms. Gym classes and sports teams will now use the newly updated space for learning and practice.

The new gym is larger and features higher ceilings, room for a wide range of sports, a lengthy bleachers section, and tall windows that provide natural lighting. The gym hallways also allow for connectivity to the expansive locker rooms. The gym is dedicated to a former coach, Fred Swick. His name and signature are on the floor of both basketball courts of the gym.

Senior Gabriel Chacon praised the features of the new wing, especially the locker room.

“The addition of locker rooms has not only reduced foot traffic inside the Humanities hallway but being able to change and store belongings allows those who want to participate greatly in gym to have the space to,” he said. 

The main gym is part of the 141,000 square foot addition and 68,000 square foot renovation to the existing school, which has been ongoing since 2021. Other upcoming construction additions to the school include a new media center, cafeteria, and kitchen. 

PE students, gym teachers, sports teams, and coaches have since taken advantage of the new gym. Three senior homerooms have also relocated to the gym, where the new space can host a variety of classes.

Girls’ junior varsity volleyball Coach Ms. Cindy Sibrian attested to the benefits of being able to play games and practice using the new gym.

“It just motivates us even more, and we’re so proud that this is our school, this is our place, this is where we get to play,” said Sibrian. 

The gym facilities were renovated along with the rest of the high school. During the construction and demolition phase, the school lacked locker rooms and adequate sports practice spaces, often relying on local middle schools or the auxiliary gym.

Principal Mr. Mark Carothers spoke to the necessity of the updated facilities and the difficulties of the old building.

“The environment did not match the level of teaching and learning going on,” Carothers said.

The only remaining work to be done to the main gym is a final walkthrough and check for defects. Originally expected to be completed by August 3rd of this year, Nov. 1 is the current projected completion date for construction.