Construction recently began for a brand new, 10,000-square-foot gymnastics facility, which is being built near the softball complex on the north end of campus. The $2.3 million project is fully funded by donors, and is expected to open in January 2026.
Once finished, it’ll be the new home for both the men’s and women’s varsity gymnastics teams. Gymnastics was added to the athletic department in September 2021. The teams were on campus for the 2022-23 season.
Both teams have been practicing in Cowles Fieldhouse, and it hasn’t been ideal.
Men’s head coach, Colin Payne, explained what it meant to have a facility soon.
“This facility is incredibly meaningful. It is a signal that all of the hard work we have put into building this team is appreciated,” he said. “The investment in this facility tells me that the student athletes under my care are valued here. That their experience at Simpson College is important and the institution does not just see them as revenue.”
One of the biggest upgrades for the teams will be the addition of foam pits.
“Pits will enhance our team’s training experience,” Payne said. “Pits will allow athletes to train much more difficult skills with a huge decrease in risk of injury.”
The new gym will also include a full floor, multiple sets of bars, a vault table and rings all in one place.
Sophomore Alexa Denton also spoke of her excitement about the new facility.
“I think something everyone on the team is looking forward to is just having our own space where we will have the advantage of more equipment,” she said.
Denton said their training schedule of three hours days, five days a week, will stay the same.Though now, they’ll be able to train difficult skills more safely, especially during pre-season and post-season.
“We definitely utilize the foam pit during these times, but it wasn’t always ideal when practicing in the fieldhouse and not having access to one,” Denton said.
Head women’s coach, Emily Barrett Payne, also emphasized the importance of pits.
“Right now, we drive 30 minutes away to utilize in-ground pits at a club facility, so it will be wonderful to have our own space on campus and not have our athletes drive to Grimes twice a week,” she said.
The coaches agree the upgrade goes beyond just the equipment.
“To me, this says that our athlete matters,” Payne said. “That the college is willing to invest in what they care about.”
Barrett Payne said it can also help the community.
“We also hope to extend ties with the Indianola community by starting a recreational program for young kids,” she said. “There currently is not a gymnastics program for youth in Indianola.”
This facility is not just a win for gymnastics. It’s a win for everyone. With the teams moving out of Cowles Fieldhouse, other sports like basketball, volleyball, track and field and intramurals will also gain more space, and fewer scheduling headaches.
“There’s less wear on the courts, less stress on the schedule and everyone benefits,” Colin said.
After years of making it work wherever they could, Simpson gymnasts are finally able to have a permanent practice space on campus, and they can’t wait to break it in.
