Water Damage Cannot Stop Saints Volleyball Team

Water Won't Hold the Saints Back

“Water always finds a way.” If you are a homeowner, then this statement likely triggered some anxiety if not heartburn. Water damage to a home can lead to bigger structural issues and foundation concerns. Something else about water is, it doesn’t discriminate between a home and a gymnasium floor. Recently, the students and staff of Saint Thomas Aquinas learned that their gym floor was damaged beyond repair due to water having seeped into and under the floor. News that the floor would have to be replaced greatly impacted the students and athletes as the Saints Volleyball teams, PE classes, cheer, and dance teams would not be able to use the floor for the foreseeable future. Thankfully Saints always rise to the challenge and plans were quickly put into place to adapt.

How did the damage occur?

Saint Thomas Aquinas renovations with the We Are Called Campaign involved the construction of classrooms for the Performing Arts. Heavy rain, coming off of the new expansion outside of the school, caused immense moisture underneath the plywood leading to the damaged floor. This occurred right at the start of the new school year and fall sports.

What adjustments did the Administration have to make and who all was impacted?

One of the more noticeable adjustments impacting the entire student body was moving the annual Fall Sports Assembly to the football field. Talking to current students, they missed having the assembly inside.

Kaitlyn Strout said, “As a senior it’s really unfortunate not being able to practice and perform in the main gym”. Being outside it felt harder to connect with everyone in attendance. However, the saints community is extremely special and its supportive nature, unique. As a community we rallied to find joy in each other’s company. We celebrated spring sport state champions, upcoming fall sports, and announced this year's homecoming theme.

Luckily, the Saints Auxiliary (AUX) gym has served as a stand-in for many of the groups impacted. PE classes have moved into the AUX gym or even outside for some activities. And the JV, freshman, and C Volleyball teams have been able to use the AUX gym. Cheer and Dance have taken to holding their practices in the Commons. But it’s the Varsity Volleyball team who has had to relocate off campus for practice and most games.

While the JV, freshman, and C teams have been able to use the auxiliary gym, the Varsity has had to adjust to practicing offsite at MAVS Volleyball Club. Additionally, there’s been no “home court advantage” as home games have been “canceled” and moved to available gyms. While both practice and game schedules have been altered to accommodate this recent setback, this isn’t the first time the gym has been out of commission for the Saints Volleyball program. Back in 2020, the gym was also unavailable as a result of the Covid pandemic. 

Despite not having a home gym the Saints still managed to have a successful 2020 season going 29-2, winning EKL, and winning the 5A state championship. Head coach Sarah Ikenberry and assistant coach Angela Principe have worked hard to reschedule games and manage practice plans. As mentioned, previous games scheduled at home have had to be moved. Most notably the first games of the season were supposed to be played at home, but Shawnee Heights graciously stepped up to host this triangular. Instead of playing at home, the Saints traveled an hour away to still be able to kick off the season. 

Not having a gym has been a major inconvenience for players on the Varsity Volleyball team in many ways, and the worst has been having to rush off to practice right after school. There's nothing more stressful than trying to exit the parking lot at 3 p.m. with hundreds of other students all trying to exit at the same time. Rushing to practice off campus has been an adjustment, but the team is happy to be able to continue their season. The Saints have started off play strong despite difficult circumstances. Both coaches and players look forward to the completion of the gym floor.

When will the gym floor be completed?

The gym’s estimated completion date is October 1, 2024, just in time for the Varsity Volleyball team to host a triangular against Bishop Miege and Blue Valley West High School. Tim Zande, Director of Advancement at Saint Thomas Aquinas, is excited about the new gym floor. This is the first time the floor is being completely redone. Previous reconstruction was on partial areas of the floor.

The new floor will be simple, keeping with the traditional navy detailing. However, the font of the lettering for Saint Thomas Aquinas on the end line is changing. A perk of the new floor is the increased cushion and reactiveness, benefiting athletes and students alike. 

Although it is unfortunate to begin the year without being able to use the main gym, our close Saints community has problem solved and rallied to seek solutions and make adequate adjustments. Water may always find a way, but so do the Saints. Not having a home gym didn't keep the 2020 Saints Varsity Volleyball team from a successful 2020 season. And neither will it deter the 2024 Varsity Volleyball team. Despite this setback, their eyes are focused on the future. 

About the Contributor

Gabi is a junior, class of 2026 and this is her first year on the Shield staff. At Aquinas, she plays on the Varsity Volleyball and Lacrosse teams. She is also a member of Key Club and Spanish NHS. In her spare time, she loves volunteering and hanging out with friends.