For the ASU women's gymnastics team, it is not just hard work being at practice. It has been hard work getting to practice.
Since the end of 2000, the team has been practicing at the Desert Lights Gymnasium in Chandler.
The facility, although state-of-the-art, never felt like a permanent home for the Sun Devils.
"They've been nice to us and let us make it our home but its not," said assistant coach Maggie Germaine.
The walls are not lined with ASU's history or adorned by murals of Sparky and their own gymnasts. Instead, there is a simple banner congratulating ASU and a painting of a gymnast on the south end.
"It's just going to be nice to have some place that we can look around and we can see our history ... and know it's just ours," said senior Ashley Kelly.
This will all change when their new facility opens up in mid-November, approximately four years later than originally expected.
"I never thought I would be around and actually see it and be a part of it," said Germaine.
The extended delay stemmed from Sept. 11 and the sudden downturn of the economy that depleted funds originally promised for the build.
Located north of the Alberta B. Farrington Women's Softball Complex, the facility marks a return for the gymnastics team to the ASU campus.
"It's re-energizing me as a coach to be able to have a facility after 26 years," said coach John Spini.
The new 10,200-square foot venue cost approximately $1.37 million to complete.
It should also allow the gymnasts more time to dedicate to other endeavors like classes, instead of worrying about making it to practice on time.
"I get out of class at 12:30 ... I have to drive over there and I don't get there until 1 ... and it's hard to just get into things," said senior Lauren Powell.
The commute to practice will be shortened considerably. It used to take 20-30 minutes to get to practice in Chandler. Now it will take only two or three.
The facility also includes locker rooms, showers and public restroom facilities.
It will act as a venue to be used for various camps and clinics to promote not only ASU gymnastics but also the sport as a whole.
"We're trying to make this gym a showcase," said Spini.
More than anything, the facility will act as a second home for the gymnastics team, one they have been missing for a long while; a home that they can share with all of ASU.
"Now we're connected, we're more part of the family," said Spini.
Reach the reporter at william.hayes@asu.edu.
