The High Point University men's soccer team has a new locker room and lounge in the Steele Sports Center thanks to a $50,000 anonymous donation and matching gift initiative. The project puts HPU's soccer facilities among the best in the NCAA.

"After a period of exciting anticipation, we're really happy to move into our new locker room and lounge," said HPU head coach Dustin Fonder. "This new professional environment has really been appreciated by our team and we hope this not only helps our current group but will help set us apart in recruiting. We want to thank our anonymous donor once again for the initial gift as well as the matching gift initiative, and we want to thank all of those who have since contributed to that initiative."

The newly renovated space is located on the lower level of the Steele Sports Center and includes a full locker room and adjacent lounge. The locker room has custom wooden lockers and a separate shoe locker area as well as a full bathroom and shower facility. The lounge includes two flat-screen TVs with video gaming systems, a sound system and team meeting area. The men's soccer coaches' offices have been relocated to that part of the building, creating a consolidated area for the team.

In the next phase of enhancements, Fonder hopes the team will be able to add wall graphics, photos, additional TVs and a wall of honors.

In addition to the $50,000 anonymous gift, the anonymous donor is matching additional gifts to support the men's soccer team up to $50,000 during this fiscal year. With additional gifts, supporters may name lockers or other areas of the renovated facilities. Anyone interested in contributing to High Point University Athletics should contact Associate Athletic Director Rob Aycock at (336) 841-4615 or raycock@highpoint.edu.

"Once again, we have received generous support toward a project that will enhance the experience of our student-athletes and help the team continue to improve for years to come," said HPU Athletic Director Craig Keilitz. "The locker room and lounge coupled with Vert Stadium give our men's soccer team some of the best facilities in college soccer. We are confident that our coaching staff will be able to use all of the advantages of High Point University to keep bringing in the best players for our program."

The High Point University men's soccer team was picked No. 1 in the Big South Preseason Poll and junior Karo Okiomah was selected Preseason Player of the Year. In five non-conference games this season, the Panthers are 3-1-1. The Panthers are coming off their best season since joining Div. I, as HPU went 9-7-2 overall and 5-1-2 in the Big South last year. Fonder was named Big South Coach of the Year.

HPU is hosting the Big South Championship at Vert Stadium Nov. 11-14. The tournament begins with four quarterfinal games on Thursday, Nov. 11 followed by the semifinals on Friday and the championship game on Sunday, Nov. 14.