Experience the Community Spirit at Cal Poly's Comerford Pavilion

The Impact on Athletes

Dunkle expressed the significance of her senior year, thanks to the Comerford Pavilion. Playing on center court recently, she was awestruck by the sight of fans sitting above. The support from home created a new sense of connection that she had never felt before. "Looking up and seeing all the support was an amazing feeling," she said.

The pavilion's viewing deck for fans has become a hub of excitement. It allows athletes to feel the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd, adding an extra dimension to their performances. Cal Poly Athletics / Courtesy provides a glimpse into the vibrant atmosphere that the pavilion generates.

Facility Features and Amenities

Adjacent to the Mustang Tennis Complex, the two-story, 5000-square-foot Comerford Pavilion is a state-of-the-art facility. It features updated locker rooms, coaches' offices, a viewing deck for fans, and NCAA championship lighting. These amenities enhance the overall tennis experience and provide a professional environment for athletes.

In addition to the tennis facilities, the pavilion also offers a fitness center and a nutrition center open to athletes from all sports. "It's their home away from home," said Jenna Tognazzini, associate athletic director for development. "Watching the student athletes first see it was the best reaction." Cal Poly Athletics / Courtesy showcases the modern facilities within the pavilion.

Funding and Support

The construction of the Comerford Pavilion was a collaborative effort funded by over 60 supporters. With a budget of $10 million, the project was made possible through the generosity of donors like Kevin and Carolyn Comerford. Their leadership in the project has made a significant impact on the tennis community at Cal Poly.

The pavilion's completion is a testament to the community's support for Cal Poly athletics. It has become a symbol of unity and pride, not only for the tennis team but for the entire campus community.

Benefits for the Future

Men's Tennis Head Coach Nick Carless sees great potential in the renovated pavilion. "What [the renovation] has done is make the future so exciting," he said. "The possibilities now for Cal Poly tennis have really grown, especially from a recruiting standpoint."

The pavilion has also provided Carless with a personalized office, allowing him to be more efficient and motivated on campus. "I can get work done here on campus more efficiently, and I'm also just more motivated to want to be on campus in my office," he said. "It's got a view of Madonna [Mountain] too; I definitely got an upgrade to the office space."

Favorite Features for the Teams

For Sean Kamyshev, the men's tennis captain and a business administration sophomore, the renovated locker rooms are a standout feature. "We went from having one of the worst facilities in California to having one of the best, if not the best," he said. The upgraded locker rooms have become a source of pride for the team.

Currently, both the men's and women's teams are in the off-season, preparing for the official team play for the rest of the academic year. Dunkle emphasized that this new facility goes beyond tennis and has established a sense of belonging for her and her team. "We finally get that feeling, a sense of belonging that we're seen on campus," she said. "This is our second home and the fact that this is our facility is a surreal feeling."