After years of planning, the Ryan Family Student-Athlete Complex officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, April 11. The ceremony included Tom and Cathy Ryan, lead donors for the project. The Ryans, along with close to 200 donors, contributed more than $2.5 million for the facility.

“Cathy and I are very proud of our relationship with the University of Rhode Island and URI Athletics and we are delighted to support this most recent project,” says Tom Ryan. “The Ryan Family Student-Athlete Complex is going to benefit all URI student-athletes for years to come. It will improve and enhance all aspects of the student-athlete experience. The project will also play an instrumental role in recruiting the highest quality student-athletes to URI.”

Construction on the project—formerly designated the Student-Athlete Development Center—began in July 2013. Some of the dramatically improved facilities began to open to the University’s 400-plus student-athletes in January.

“It is everything I imagined and more,” says sophomore softball player Taylor Archer. “The Rhode Island logo is everywhere. That really boosts us and reminds us what we are playing for. After walking through the complex I couldn’t believe my eyes, but when I saw the weight room, my eyes almost popped out of my head.”

The Eleanor Carlson Strength & Conditioning Center transformed the previous Tootell East gymnasium space into a nearly 8,000-square-foot state-of-the-art strength and conditioning center that includes:

•Turf space for speed and conditioning drills

•An automated timing system

•Functional movement screening kits for injury prevention

•Keiser Functional Trainers: multi-functional air pressure resistance machines

•Cognitive care for sport psychology assessments and concussion testing

•Specialist equipment such as a vertical jump recorder, Drive Sleds, TRX Suspension Trainers, Pit Shark Belt Squat machine and Vertimax V8 machines

There are three other components to the complex:

The Anthony J. Rose Athletic Training Room & Sports Medicine Center expanded the previous home of URI’s athletic trainers. The renovated area features new office space, upgrades in technology, space for team physicians, consultation and examination rooms, and a physical therapy area. A new hydrotherapy room was installed, with hot and cold capabilities to help treat and prevent injuries.

The Katie DeCubellis Memorial Foundation Student-Athlete Academic Commons & Advising Center now occupies the entire hallway in Keaney Gymnasium, adjacent to the Tootell building. URI’s new home for academic advising for student-athletes features new and upgraded computer labs, tutorial rooms for one-on-one counseling, high-tech meeting and presentation rooms, and a student-athlete lounge and study area.

The Winter Family Foundation & Wicks Family Champions Gallery is located throughout the east corridor of Tootell, stretching from the Ryan Center entry door all the way past the Eleanor Carlson Strength & Conditioning Center. The Champions Gallery features elegant wood paneling, specially designed lighting, and custom wall treatments that recognize and honor each program that makes up the long and storied history of URI Athletics.