SALISBURY, Md. — Salisbury University celebrated a milestone moment recently, with the ribbon cutting and official naming of the Huffman Family Sports Performance Center, a transformed training facility that will support Sea Gull student-athletes for years to come.
The nearly half-million-dollar renovation was made possible through the generosity of the Huffman Family Foundation, led by Richie and Dawn Huffman, proud parents of SU student-athletes and avid supporters of the Sea Gull community. The Huffmans' lead gift, along with their vision and commitment, turned an outdated training space into a modern, championship-caliber facility.
The project delivers a complete revitalization, including:
· Brand-new weight, lift, and conditioning equipment
· Updated flooring with two turf conditioning areas
· Diamond plate lower walls and custom wall wraps
· Enhanced HVAC, upgraded lighting, and new "recruit lighting" for tours
· A redesigned entrance hallway with champion graphics and new football wing doors
· Fresh exterior signage featuring Sammy Sea Gull
· Upgraded landscaping and exterior maintenance
For the full photo gallery, click HERE.
"The Huffman Family Sports Performance Center stands as a powerful commitment to the success, well-being, and inspiration of Salisbury University student-athletes for years to come," said Monica Polizzi, director of athletics and campus recreation. "The Huffman family not only gave us a space where our athletes can reach their full potential, they've also shown the importance and value in investing in community, family, and the future."
"Just over a year ago, Richie and Dawn made a commitment to our SU community—to revitalize and transform a space that was in great need of renewal. Our Sea Gull teams are among the most competitive in the nation, and they deserve a training facility that matches the quality of their programs. Thanks to the vision and generosity of the Huffman family, we now have that space," said Stan Bradley, development officer for athletics.
The Huffmans' generosity to SU Athletics has been deeply personal. Parents to five children—including two current Sea Gull men's lacrosse players, Evan (senior) and Preston (sophomore)—the family first made a major gift to SU men's lacrosse in 2023 in support of Coach Jim Berkman after a fire at the legendary coach's home. They later supported enhancements to the Maroon & Gold Donor Parking Lot before asking a simple but powerful question during a lacrosse game: "How can we help?" That conversation grew into the partnership that made the Huffman Family Sports Performance Center possible.
The Huffman Family Foundation is focused on advancing education and strengthening communities. "We believe in creating opportunities that empower young people," said Dawn Huffman, foundation president. "For our family, Salisbury has been a second home. Supporting this project was about giving these student-athletes the tools and environment they deserve."
In addition to the foundation, the Huffmans lead several business ventures, including Celebree School, a growing national network of early childhood education centers with over 100 franchises across 15 states, and HWG Properties, a real estate investment and development company.
The Huffman Family Sports Performance Center stands as a testament to philanthropy, vision, and the power of community.
Salisbury University is a proud member of NCAA Division III with primary membership in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, along with affiliate membership in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (football, men's & women's swimming), Coastal Lacrosse Conference (men's lacrosse), State University of New York Athletic Conference (field hockey), and Colonial Women's Golf Conference (women's golf). With over 500 student-athletes in 23 varsity sports, SU is recognized as one of the nation's most competitive intercollegiate athletics programs regardless of division, featuring dedicated coaches and staff that foster excellence on and off the field. The Sea Gulls have won a combined 23 team national championships, 24 individual national championships, and 205 conference championships, and have produced 53 Academic All-Americans.
To Make Tomorrow Yours at Salisbury University, and learn more about Sea Gull Athletics' tradition of excellence, visit SUSeaGulls.com or follow on social media @SUSeaGulls.
