Fast Track Toward Fastest Pool in the Ivy League

A $1 million challenge grant has jumpstarted the push to complete funding for Brown's new aquatics center. Thanks to recent leadership gifts, the $25-million facility has reached 85 percent of its fundraising goal. The new challenge grant, established by an anonymous donor, will match gifts and pledges on a dollar-for-dollar basis until June 30, 2009. "Now is the time for all water polo and swimming and diving alumni, parents, and friends to come forward and help propel us to the $25 million in commitments that we need to build this new facility," says Steve King '91, Executive Director of the Brown University Sports Foundation.

Plans for a State-of-the-Art Facility

At its February meeting, the Brown Corporation authorized the University to select an architect and proceed with final planning for the much-needed new facility. Preliminary plans call for an Olympic-sized pool with seating for 800 fans and a diving area featuring one- and three-meter diving boards. New technology will minimize water turbulence with the goal of creating the fastest pool in the Ivy League.

"You can't measure how important it is to be able to train in a state-of-the-art facility," says Felix Mercado, head men's and women's water polo coach. "It will also improve recruiting and help us attract the very best student-athletes to Brown."

Recent leadership gifts have boosted the fundraising momentum. A bequest of $14.75 million came from the estate of Raymond L. Moran '41 in memory of Mr. Moran's late sister, Katherine Moran Coleman, for whom the new aquatics center will be named. "We appreciate the support of those who have already stepped forward and those who will help us achieve an aquatics center that the entire Brown community can be proud of," says Director of Athletics Michael Goldberger.

New Facility Will Boost Strong Programs

Since the razing of the Smith Swim Center in 2008, varsity aquatics teams and the greater Brown community have urgently needed a permanent facility. The University has provided a temporary pool to serve the short-term needs for our aquatics programs, but the situation remains less than ideal. Varsity teams are unable to compete on campus or host events and the Brown and local communities have reduced access for recreational use.

Coaches and athletes enthusiastically welcome the new $25-million facility. Since both the men's and women's swimming and diving coach positions have been recently endowed, the aquatics teams that will inhabit this venue are enjoying an enhanced sense of focus and stability. "A facility of this nature," says Peter Brown, head coach for men's and women's swimming and diving, "will give the aquatics program, the Athletic Department, and the entire University the kind of exposure it otherwise wouldn't have."