PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University held a grand opening ceremony for the Champions Center, Wednesday Feb. 19, prior to the Cougars' men's basketball game against Gonzaga at Beasley Coliseum.

Located inside the Physical Education Building adjacent to the Bohler Athletic Complex, the Champions Center centralizes the academic resources provided to student-athletes, including advising, tutoring, meeting and study spaces, as well as professional development services and mental health counseling. 

The ceremony featured speakers WSU Director of Athletics Anne McCoy, Heather Erwin, Associate Director of Athletics, Academic Services, Matt Forge, Pullman Regional Hospital CEO and football student-athletes Bryson Lamb and Zevi Eckhaus.

"There were so many iterations of where this space could be and what it would look like and I can't imagine a more perfect landing of where it ended up and what it truly is," said McCoy. "It provides a safe space to learn and grow and there's no limit to what our student-athletes can achieve here.

"I don't know what represents Cougar excellence and commitment to our student-athletes more than this facility," McCoy added. "Our resolve will never waver in our commitment to better serve our student-athletes."

"As a student-athlete, I know firsthand how important it is to balance the demands of sports, academics, and everything else that going on in our lives as young adults," said Lamb. "With the Champions Center, it has opened endless opportunities for us to be successful. Having a dedicated place to study, meet with tutors, and receive support from our academic advisors will make a huge impact on our success."

"As a former student-athlete myself, I can only dream of having a facility like this," Forge said. "When I think about our community and what separates Washington State University and Pullman Regional into the future is that we care about the person, and I think this facility represents that."

The Champions Center is funded entirely by philanthropic support with over $9 million in commitments. During the ceremony, lead project donors Gary Schneidmiller, Blair and Eric Sprunk, Ken and Sue Christianson, Donald and Janice Pelo, and Jack and Melinda Pelo, were recognized, as well as all those who contributed to the facility.

"We want to express our deepest gratitude to the donors, supporters, and university leadership who made all of this possible," said Eckhaus. "Your generosity has given us a space that will change lives of students now and for many more years to come. Without your support we wouldn't be standing here today celebrating a space that is dedicated to academic growth, mentorship and success."

"This moment is not just a milestone for Washington State Athletics but a culmination of hard work and dedication and most importantly a vision that has been years in the making," Erwin said. "None of this would have been possible without the generous and unwavering support of our incredible donors. You believed in this vision, you saw the potential in our student-athletes and, because of you, we have a space that allows them to reach new heights not just as athletes but as champions. You have given our athletes more than a building, you have given them a foundation to build upon."

In January 2023, the Board of Regents voted to move forward with the design phase of the project and on Nov. 4, 2023, a Champions Center Celebration event took place at the Bohler Athletic Complex Galleria on the WSU campus.