Dedicated space for female student-athletes is first for a school in state
By DONNA THORNTON, Editor
The Albertville City Schools district broke ground last week in more ways than one.
“This is a great day for Albertville, this is a great day for Albertville City Schools and also Albertville athletics,” Superintendent Bart Reeves said Thursday.
“Today is a good day.
“For the past several years, many of our female athletes, including those in track and field, cross country, flag football and cheerleading have not had a dedicated space to call their own,” he said. “They have worked hard; they’ve represented Albertville well with Aggie pride and adapted to temporary locations to dress and prep for their sport.
“They never had a dedicated space. They had to go to the nearest restroom to change and then prep for whatever activity they’re involved in,” Reeves said.
“Today, that changes,” he said, as the district broke-ground for a new athletic facility for women — providing dedicated space for female athletes to train, prepare, practice, and get ready “to compete at the highest levels.
“More importantly, it represents our commitment to providing opportunities and resources that help all our students to succeed,” Reeves continued. “This project is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about more than the building itself. It’s about investing in our students, supporting their dreams and ensuring that future generations of Aggie athletes have the facilities that they deserve.”
As someone who coaches those female athletes, Mattie Lewis was excited to see the project underway.
“It’s something none of the other schools around here have,” she said. “It’s a blessing,” the seventh grade volleyball coach said.
Reeves expressed thanks to the board of education, the community and coaches, and everyone who helped make the day possible. “I look forward to the incredible impact this facility will have on our female athletes for years to come.”
He said construction should be on a 13- or-14-month timeline, with expectations of being in the building by August 2027.
Assistant Superintendent Todd Watkins had comments to add, from the perspective of a coach.
“There’s a building that’s coming, but it’s just a building. The success that you guys have can be temporarily taken or given, but the legacy that you have, that’s going to last forever.
“So (with) the things you guys have done over the last — I’ve been here five years — I’m looking forward to this,” he said.
Albertville City Schools broke ground June 11 on an athletic facility for women beside the high school gym. The facility, expected to be complete by the fall of 2027, is the first of its kind in this area, possibly in the state. Participating in the ceremony were, from left, state Sen. Wes Kitchens, Mayor Tracy Honea, Superintendent Bart Reeves, Board of Education President Melissa McKee, board members Annie Furrer and Jon Conner, and Seawell McKee, managing partner of Lathan McKee Architects, which designed the building. Photo by DONNA THORNTON l The Leader
