ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Naval Academy Athletic Association, in partnership with the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, held a groundbreaking ceremony today for the new Navy Lacrosse Center, a 35,000-square-foot state-of-the-art training facility for Navy's men's and women's lacrosse programs.
 
Over 125 attendees were present, including U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Support Activity Annapolis leadership, Navy lacrosse coaches and student-athletes, major project supporters and members of the alumni Lacrosse Center committee. The ceremony featured remarks from U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, Director of Athletics Michael Kelly and U.S. Naval Academy Foundation and Alumni Association President and CEO Jeff Webb. The event concluded with a ceremonial dig to mark the official launch of construction.
 
The three-story Navy Lacrosse Center will serve as the premier lacrosse training facility in the country and will be located adjacent to the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility at the Naval Academy. The center will include locker rooms, wardrooms and coaches' offices for both programs, along with a lacrosse legacy of excellence tribute area; athletic training, rehabilitation and recovery areas; a strength and conditioning facility; a nutrition center; a team theater and a conference room. The facility will also feature a courtyard at the main entrance and a head coach terrace outside the head coach offices. In addition, a rooftop terrace overlooking the Severn River will provide a unique gathering space for recruits, alumni, and team events.
 
"Today's groundbreaking marks a defining moment for Navy Lacrosse," said Director of Athletics Michael Kelly. "This $30 million state-of-the-art facility is more than just a building; it is a clear statement of the Academy's unwavering commitment to the excellence of our midshipmen student-athletes. At a time when many colleges are backing off of investment in many sport programs, this facility demonstrates that we are stepping forward because Navy Athletics is 'College Sports at its Best.' We are investing in opportunities that develop leaders for our country, elevate the student-athlete experience and reflect the true purpose of intercollegiate athletics. We owe a debt of gratitude to our steadfast supporters who have turned this vision into a reality."
 
"Today's ceremonial event is a deeply meaningful milestone for Navy Lacrosse," said women's lacrosse head coach Cindy Timchal, the winningest coach in Division I women's lacrosse history and leader of the program since its founding in 2006. "Marking the start of construction represents years of planning and commitment to our student-athletes. This facility will shape the future of our program and provide an environment that supports excellence, growth and competitive success for years to come."
 
"This is a monumental day for our program and for everyone who supports Navy Lacrosse," said men's lacrosse head coach Joe Amplo, who has led the program since 2020. "This facility will have a lasting impact on how we recruit, develop our student-athletes and compete for championships. It is a generational moment for our program and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who made it possible."
 
The $30 million Navy Lacrosse Center, designed by Bignell Watkins Hasser Architecture & Interiors and constructed by Harkins Builders, is expected to begin construction in late summer 2026, with completion projected for the 2028-29 academic year.
 
This project was made possible through the generosity of many alumni and friends. For more information on the Lacrosse Center and to learn how to support the project, please contact Senior Associate Athletic Director Tim Ford at 410-293-8916 or tford@usna.edu.