BERKELEY – The California women's basketball team has secured funding and approval for a significant locker room renovation, it was announced by Co-Directors of Athletics Jenny Simon-O'Neill and Jay Larson. The $4 million capital initiative is designed to elevate the student-athlete experience and strengthen the future of the program and was made possible by the generosity of several members of Cal's donor community. In addition to upgrades, around 550 square feet of space will be added to the site. The work will involve a complete teardown and redesign of the existing facility, which will address key student-athlete needs. Construction is expected to begin within the next two months and be completed before the start of 2026-27 season.
 
The project was a top priority for Cal head coach Charmin Smith and reflects Cal Athletics' ongoing commitment to becoming a premier destination for student-athletes pursuing both academic and athletic excellence. The initiative will have a lasting impact on recruiting, player development and overall team culture.
 
"This project represents more than just a facility upgrade," Smith said. "It's about creating a space where our student-athletes can connect, prepare, and thrive — both on and off the court. A new and modern locker room is critical to elevate our program and allow us to be an attractive destination for recruits, and I'm grateful for the support of Cal Athletics and our donor community to make this possible."
 
The renovation will modernize and expand key areas essential to the daily experience of student-athletes:
 
Locker Room, Showers, and Restrooms
The upgraded locker room will serve as the central hub for student-athletes during practices and games — a space for preparation, focus and celebration. Enhancements will include enlarged locker space and improve both functionality and aesthetics, creating an environment that supports performance while leaving a strong impression on prospects.
 
Team Room & Lounge
A new team room and lounge will feature a brand-new A/V system and provide a versatile, centralized space for film sessions, team meetings, studying and downtime. The space will also include a newly installed kitchen area and be designed to comfortably accommodate the entire team, foster team bonding and offer a place for student-athletes to recharge between classes and practices.
 
Flex Area
Part of the square footage that will be added to the facility will serve as a flex space that the team can use at its discretion for activities like meditation, post-workout recovery, or as an additional entertainment space.
 
Once completed, the renovated facility will stand as a cornerstone of the program's continued growth — reinforcing its commitment to providing a world-class experience for student-athletes and positioning Cal women's basketball for sustained success.
 
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