As the first William Paterson athletes stepped inside on February 13, they took a collective breath, their faces lighting up when they saw the clean, brand-new benches, free weights, racks, stacks, cable machines, and other equipment. Also, AJ Mott, the new strength and conditioning coach at William Paterson University, couldn’t hide his excitement about the recent opening.

“Number one, the kids take pride in it,” said Mott, who was hired in September 2024. “Number two, they have something that they can call their home.” These words reflect the spirit of the brand-new athletic fieldhouse next to the football and baseball fields, which offers athletes a dedicated space to train and take pride in. After years of anticipation and planning, the opening of the fieldhouse to athletic teams in February marks a significant milestone for the university’s athletic programs. This state-of-the-art facility will not only serve as a resource for current student-athletes but also elevate William Paterson’s recruiting efforts for years to come. 

Coach Mott, who brings nearly a decade of experience in collegiate strength and conditioning, highlighted how the facility provides athletes with the necessary tools and environment to succeed, and said: “We can walk recruits through here and have them take a look at what we have as a special athletic facility.” Mott also noted the growing importance of such facilities in the competitive world of collegiate athletics, even on a Division III level, stating, “I hate to say this, but we’re in the arms race.”

The new fieldhouse is the product of the Pioneering Champions Campaign, a fundraising initiative aimed at enhancing the university’s athletic resources. The campaign has received strong promotional support from alumnus Kevin Burkhardt, a 1997 graduate and the lead NFL play-by-play announcer and MLB studio host for FOX Sports. Burkhardt’s video narration has helped raise awareness and generate excitement for the project.

With a total fundraising goal of $1.5 million, the campaign has made significant progress in raising the funds necessary to transform WP’s athletics. “We’re about a third of the way through our goal of raising $1.5 million,” said Pamela Ferguson, the university’s vice president for institutional advancement. “We’re still working on it.”

At the heart of the campaign’s success is the generosity of alumni, many of whom are motivated by a desire to support the department that played a significant role in their own college experience. There have been notable contributions from William Paterson graduates like former Pioneers football player Stephen Adzima ’75, who donated $250,000. Adzima has been a long-time advocate for his alma mater and has stayed in touch with the university. In recognition of his extraordinary support, the field house’s strength and conditioning center will bear his name.

A second major donation to the Pioneering Champions Campaign has resulted in the naming of the locker rooms in the new fieldhouse. The baseball locker room will be named the Alan J. Anderson Locker Room in honor of the late Alan J. Anderson ’81, a beloved student-athlete, known as “Mr. Baseball,” according to Ferguson. He was a member of the New Jersey All-Star Team during his junior and senior years. In his senior year, Alan was named to the All-Conference, All-State, and Academic All-America teams. After his passing, Anderson’s family foundation decided to name these locker rooms in his memory.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the Anderson Foundation named the women’s soccer, field hockey, and softball locker rooms in honor of Alan J. Anderson. In fact, the Foundation named the baseball locker room in his memory. The women’s locker rooms were not named by the Foundation. The article has been updated to reflect this correction.

Mott expressed his gratitude to the alumni who have been contributing, emphasizing how much their support means: “First off, thank you! Their contributions are going to shape what happens with WP’s athletic future.”

Ferguson, who was the main initiator and deeply involved in that project, expressed her excitement about the opening, highlighting the importance of alumni involvement in shaping the university’s future. “We are always trying to strengthen our relationships with alumni,” she said. “We need to begin at the student level. You’re a student for a short time and an alumni for a lifetime.”

Ferguson also emphasized the importance of naming opportunities for donors, such as the chance to name one of the 210 lockers for a donation of $1,500. “For those who cannot make a very large gift, this is a great way for alumni to leave a legacy,” she said.

The new 4,000-square-foot addition to the fieldhouse represents a major leap forward for the university’s athletics. It includes a student-athlete-specific fitness center that is open to athletes only and new locker rooms for field hockey, softball, and women’s soccer teams. Furthermore, the locker rooms for football and baseball were renovated.

One of the most exciting features of the new field house is the roll-up glass garage doors, which open to provide a clear view of Wightman Stadium. The updated space is not just a place to train but a source of pride for the athletes who now have a space specifically designed for their needs.

Senior basketball player Victoria Palladino, one of William Paterson’s best defensive players, believes that the field house will have a huge impact: “Having a dedicated strength coach and a brand new facility, with updated machines and equipment, gives teams a better opportunity to train at a higher level. It’s something we didn’t have in previous years, unlike our competitors, so having that extra level of support and structure has been a game-changer for both individual and team performance.”

The facility’s new features represent an upgrade from the older, shared, and often crowded spaces in the Recreation Center that were previously used for training. For first-year softball player Rylie Nagle, the decision to attend William Paterson was partly influenced by the promise of a new athletic facility. “It was certainly one of the reasons that convinced me to ultimately go to William Paterson,” she said. “It was just nice to see how they put so much attention, work, and effort into their athletes.” 

Yet, the fieldhouse is hoped to become more than just a new building: It is supposed to be a symbol of the university’s commitment to the success and well-being of its student-athletes. The facility will serve as a vital resource for the 300 student-athletes currently at WP and for future generations as well. It also plays a significant role in recruitment, with President Richard J. Helldobler telling the Beacon, “Part of it is recruitment, part of it is equity, and part of it is better strength and conditioning for our student-athletes.” 

But so far, the improved recruitment remains an aspiration rather than a current reality. Nick Guttuso, Head Football Coach at Ramapo High School, said he had heard about the new athletic facility and even drove by to see it for himself: “It’s a step in the right direction. It shows commitment to the athletic program.”

However, he also explained that academic fit is his top priority when recommending colleges to his student-athletes. Still, he has sent students to William Paterson in the past and says he will continue to do so in the future.

Looking ahead, William Paterson University plans to build upon this success with the renovation of the Rec Center, which will include a new pool and upgraded facilities that will support even more student-athletes, non-athletes, and the university’s image. This continued investment in athletics demonstrates William Paterson’s commitment to enhancing the student experience.