View Static Version
Loading

Renovated Gem Earl K. Long upgrades give Ragin’ Cajuns Volleyball an edge

Renovations to Earl K. Long Gym have served up a home court advantage for Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Volleyball. Interior upgrades have transformed the historic structure into one of the nation’s premier volleyball-specific venues.

It’s a facility that matches the team’s growing national prominence. Kristi Gray, in her second year as head coach, led the team to a 15-13 record in the 2022 season and to an appearance in national postseason play for the first time in program history. The team also advanced to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament quarterfinals.

Left photo: Ben Massey; Rigt photo: Doug Dugas

Excitement around the team’s high-energy style of play drew a single-season attendance record – 6,446 fans – to the refurbished gymnasium as well.

Built in 1939, Earl K. Long Gym now features a state-of-the-art court and videoboard, a new locker room and team lounge, a film room and meeting spaces for student-athletes and coaching staff. New paint freshened walls and grandstands. Sound panels and public restrooms received upgrades, too.

Dr. Bryan Maggard, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics, said the renovations “greatly enhance the experience for our student-athletes, coaches and fans. As a volleyball-specific facility, E.K. Long Gymnasium now serves as one of the most elite venues in the country.”

Photos: Doug Dugas

The facility’s crown jewel? A new Taraflex court that offers the highest impact protection index of any playing surface. It significantly reduces the risk of injury for student-athletes while jumping, diving or sliding.

The renovated court carries the name of donor Georges Antoun, who was among investors who contributed to the renovation project as part of the Together campaign, the largest comprehensive fundraising initiative in UL Lafayette history. The project cost just under $1 million to complete.

“We are very proud and forever grateful to those that helped make this happen,” Gray said. “To get a brand-new, state-of-the-art Taraflex court and videoboard, a new locker room, team lounge, team film room and conference room in a few short months is impressive.”

This article first appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of La Louisiane, The Magazine of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.