After Just One Year of Construction, St. Andrew's Opens $32 Million Athletics Complex and Student Union

AUSTIN, Tex. (September 3, 2025) — St. Andrew’s is entering a new chapter of Highlander history with the opening of a dynamic Athletics Complex and Student Union designed to bring students, families and fans together. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School will celebrate the grand opening of the new facility on Friday, Sept. 5, at 9:30 a.m. with a ribbon cutting, pep rally and name reveal by students for the new complex. 

Festivities will continue into the evening, culminating with the Highlanders’ first home athletics competitions at the complex, with girls volleyball taking on Lago Vista High School at 6 p.m. and football facing Texas Legacy Football Academy at 7 p.m., a daylong celebration with the entire Austin community.

Designed to meet St. Andrew's recent growth and thriving K-12 community, the 58,000-square-foot complex was built in just over a year in collaboration with Harvey Cleary Builders and LPA Design Studios. It features state-of-the-art athletic and student life facilities, making it one of the most ambitious projects in the school’s 72-year history. The complex is made possible through the generosity of donors and the support of the Highlander community.

At its heart, this new Complex is about bringing people together,” said Melissa Grubb, Head of School. “It will be alive with the cheers of our fans, the laughter of friends gathering after class, and the energy of students growing as athletes and leaders. It is a gift from our community to future generations, ensuring that every student has a place to feel supported, connected, and inspired.”

The Student Union is where Highlanders study, connect with other students and build lifelong friendships. It is also home to the Spirit Shop, a space where students gather to purchase spirit wear and snacks run by Highlander parents, and serves as the backdrop for cherished St. Andrew’s traditions such as graduation, St. Andrew’s Day, Highlander pep rallies and other community celebrations.

"Being a student-athlete at St. Andrew’s is about embracing a multifaceted role where excellence is pursued both academically and athletically,” said Thomas Sale, Director of Athletics. “Our students are rigorously challenged, fostering their development in each of our four pillars. The sports performance center, set to replace our current weight room, exemplifies our commitment to this holistic development." 

For all Highlanders, the Athletics Complex and Student Union offers state-of-the-art athletic equipment and a wide range of spaces designed for learning, training and community. The facilities include a competition gym that seats more than 800 spectators, six practice courts that give more students and teams time to train without interfering with evening homework or family schedules, a multi-purpose dance studio for The Highlights dance team that will also feature a golf simulator, an athletic film room for athletes and artists to review film or use for classes, and a sports performance center focused on technology-enhanced training to help student-athletes and performers reach their fullest potential. Every practice, performance and gathering in this space reflects the foundation of St. Andrew’s mission to nurture scholars, artists, athletes and servants who strive for excellence and strengthen the bonds of community.

"This state-of-the-art facility will significantly enhance our strength and conditioning programs, offering a dynamic space that aligns with our mission to cultivate healthy, well-rounded individuals," said Sale. "At St. Andrew’s, we are not just building athletes. We are dedicated to developing healthy human beings in every sense of the word.”

For more information about the Athletics Complex and Student Union, visit raisetheroof.sasaustin.org.

Located in Austin, Texas, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is a private coeducational school for grades K-12. Students benefit from dedicated faculty, a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.

Learn more about St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and the award-winning multiphase Raise the Roof Capital Campaign.

Members of the media are invited to attend the event, which will include a ribbon cutting, pep rally and the unveiling of the student-selected name for the facility. Media representatives interested in attending are asked to respond to this email to express their interest.

Media Contact 
Erin Gregg 
communications@sasaustin.org
512.299.9686