DAYTON – The Wright State University volleyball team, winners of four Horizon League regular season titles and four NCAA tournament appearances in the last five seasons, got its first look at a completely renovated, redesigned locker room on Wednesday.
The modernized space, recently named the Gretchen W. Stephenson Family Locker Room, features all-new graphics including the Player of the Year and historic walls to document the program’s history and success. There is also a fuel station, a reconfigured locker area to maximize, partition and create additional space for the team to use throughout the day, and a “glamour room” with mirrors and a makeup table.
“We are incredibly grateful for Gretchen Stephenson’s generous support in enhancing our volleyball program. This gift will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes,” said Athletic Director Joylynn Brown. “Gretchen’s daughter, Lainey, has been instrumental in building a culture of success in our program. Her competitive spirit and work ethic on and off the court have set a high standard for the Raiders.”
“We are excited to show our student athletes the Gretchen W. Stephenson Family Locker Room,” said head coach Travers Green said. “A lot has gone into this project and a special thanks goes out to Jason Franklin, Chris Bethel and Joe Dick here on the Wright State side for making this possible. This would not have been possible without the generosity of Gretchen Stephenson. Gretchen and Lainey Stephenson have helped transform our program into what it is today. This gift will enrich the experience of future Wright State volleyball players for years to come.”
“The locker room is a special place where the culture of a program is formed,” Green added. “This is a much-deserved upgrade for our players and I know they can’t wait to take advantage of the opportunity. We are extremely fortunate and grateful for Gretchen’s continued commitment and contribution to our volleyball program.”
The locker room was closed to the team all summer, and the Raiders waited impatiently throughout the preseason for Wednesday’s unveiling.
“Wright State volleyball has been a vehicle for Lainey to pursue not only her athletic goals, but her academic and personal goals as well,” said Gretchen Stephenson. “What she, her teammates and coaches have accomplished on the court cannot be compared to the experiences and lessons she has learned throughout her life. The entire athletic department staff, from the athletic director to the team trainers, has always been there to support and cheer her on. As a parent, it has been incredible to watch.”
“After she graduated, I knew I wanted to continue giving back to the program that has meant so much to us as a family,” added Gretchen Stephenson. “We are big believers in giving back to those who have given to us. We are honored to have our donation recognized with our name and Lainey’s photo. We hope the new players enjoy the improvements and appreciate how far the program has come. If it helps them win more games and continue Wright State’s dominance in the Horizon League, that’s icing on the cake.”
Wright State, the defending Horizon League regular season and tournament champion, travels to Cincinnati for its only exhibition game Saturday afternoon before the Raiders announce the 2024 season opener on Aug. 30. The 12-game home regular season schedule begins Sept. 6, when the Raiders host their annual Tru by Hilton Dayton Beavercreek Invitational.
