WILMINGTON — Seven months after students and guests gathered to hear about a $5 million donation to transform the gymnasium, the Ursuline Academy volleyball teams held the first event in the newly imagined space on Oct. 18.
The Raiders hosted Paul VI High School from Haddonfield, N.J. The junior varsity kicked things off, followed by the varsity. And while the project is not done, it is moving right along.
The lights in Laffey-McHugh Gymnasium have been replaced, making the space much brighter. All of the school’s banners for state and other championships have been replaced, and there are photos of teams that played a significant role in the 131-year history of Ursuline. The floor has been refinished and repainted, and there are new, larger bleachers in the upper level. Two new scoreboards are hanging on the walls.
The project was made possible by a $5 million donation from Delaware philanthropist and real estate developer Anthony N. Fusco Sr. and is the largest in the school’s history. Fusco, who had previously provided the lead commitment to remake the convent on campus into the Anthony N. Fusco Sr. Student Life Center, died in June at age 93.
When it was announced in February, the Anthony N. Fusco Sr. Fitness and Health Center also included plans to improve accessibility for those with disabilities; add locker rooms and athletic offices; and introduce technological advancements that will support the overall academic and athletic experience.
Inside the gymnasium, which was built in 1980, work continues. Banners will be hung to recognize Ursuline athletes who have been earned special recognition in various sports, and there will be two noting the accomplishments of Val Whiting, Class of 1989, and Elena Delle Donne, Class of 2008, both of whom went on to play professional basketball.
Photos by Mike Lang.