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Inside Report: The New Facilities on Campus

Luke Puricelli ’25 in Features | April 7, 2023

As Spring Break has passed quicker than anyone expected, schoolwork, athletics, and extracurriculars have taken over Lawrentians’ lives once again. Luckily, Lawrenceville has unveiled a fresh “solution” to this impending stress: new outdoor volleyball and basketball courts!
Ever since Lawrenceville added these new courts behind the Al Rashid Health and Wellness Center, it is very clear that students occupy these courts whenever they have the free time. West Mecklenburg ’25, a member of the Junior Varsity Lacrosse team, uses “the courts whenever he can, especially on Saturday nights and Sundays, and even on Wednesdays after lacrosse practice.” The courts are constantly crowded, so even if someone goes alone, they will likely find a game to be a part of. As Laney McDowell ’23 explained, “I love the new facilities because I can go there by myself, and instantly find someone to play with.”
Not only are the basketball courts a hit, but the recent introductions of the beach volleyball courts are similarly popular. Sawyer English ’25 has enjoyed playing “beach volleyball with my friends when I have free time,” as volleyball is a new sport he enjoys. Since the four basketball hoops and volleyball courts are often occupied, Lawrentians commonly play four square or build sandcastles beside the volleyball courts. Yet this isn’t the end of the expansions to new outdoor activities. The school plans to expand its facilities by adding pickleball courts, which are currently under construction.
Since the new facilities have only been open since the beginning of Spring Term, some students have determined which activities they enjoy the most through trial and error. Reece DiCicco ’24 tested both the basketball and volleyball courts and concluded that he enjoyed beach volleyball the most, arguing that “it’s more fun to play considering the nice weather.” Yet for most students, the choice between basketball and beach volleyball remains under constant debate.
While many believe their busy schedules leave no room to enjoy the facilities, the court’s open hours allow any Lawrentian, regardless of their schedule, to find a time to come out and do so.  
The courts are usually the most occupied on Sundays, so on weekends, students will have no trouble finding people to play streetball or a friendly game of beach volleyball. The new facilities allow students to connect through sport, develop friendships, pass the time with one another, adding an opportunity to relax and decompress during their busy lives. While academics, athletics, and extracurriculars can often overwhelm students, from one fellow Lawrentian to another, I strongly urge that you try out these new facilities, as I can assure that you’ll have a wonderful time.

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