Capozzoli Athletic Center | News | Worcester Academy

Worcester Academy marked a historic milestone with the official opening of the Capozzoli Athletic Center at New Balance Performance Park, a state-of-the-art facility that ushers in a new era for student-athletes and community engagement on the Hilltop.

Festivities on October 17–18 included a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony, donor recognitions, a reunion dinner, and a weekend full of Hilltopper athletics. The two-day celebration drew students, faculty, alumni, trustees, city officials, and neighbors together to honor the generosity, vision, and community spirit that made this project possible.

“This center represents the best of Worcester Academy—our commitment to wellness, teamwork, and community,” said Head of School Kevin Breen. “It is a space where students can push themselves, support one another, and live out our mission to Achieve the Honorable through scholarship, fellowship, leadership, craftsmanship, and sportsmanship.”

Spanning 72,000 square feet over two levels, the new facility features Thomas E. Blackburn Court, the McCabe Natatorium, and the 6,000-square-foot Tribble Fitness Center, along with locker rooms, team meeting areas, and student gathering spaces. Designed by DiMella Shaffer and built by StanMar Construction, the building anchors the New Balance Performance Park, transforming Worcester Academy’s south campus into a premier destination for athletics and wellness.

Meg O’Leary, President of the Board of Trustees, called the project “the beginning of something far greater.” In her remarks, she reflected on the shared vision that brought the facility to life. “This center represents vision, transformation, and the promise of what is ahead for our school,” O’Leary said. “It’s the first step in a bold and ongoing transformation that will position Worcester Academy as the premier urban independent school in the country.”

The event also featured remarks from student leaders Aekem Singh and Bryan Herlihy, who spoke on behalf of the student body. “It’s amazing to look out and see so many smiling faces,” said Herlihy. “This moment really captures how the student body feels—we’re proud, excited, and can’t wait for the Capozzoli Athletic Center to become part of everyday life on the Hilltop.”

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Chris Capozzoli Sr. ’85 spoke on behalf of his late father, Ron Capozzoli ’49, whose vision and generosity made the project possible. Later, during the dedication ceremony inside Thomas E. Blackburn Court, Chris Capozzoli Jr. ’14 addressed the audience on behalf of the Capozzoli family, reflecting on his grandfather’s deep love for Worcester Academy and his enduring legacy.

The celebration continued throughout the weekend with spirited Hilltopper competition. Friday night’s football game under the lights against Greenwich Country Day School kicked off the festivities, while Saturday featured the first-ever volleyball match on Blackburn Court, along with soccer games on Morse Field and Reunion Dinner in the Capozzoli Family Megaron.

Beyond athletics, the Capozzoli Athletic Center reflects Worcester Academy’s values of community and sustainability. New Balance Performance Park features 15 newly planted trees, butterfly gardens, 12 EV charging stations, and a planned solar array, while inside, a mural by Worcester artist Sharinna Travieso celebrates the city’s creative spirit.

As the ceremonies concluded, Head Monitors Singh and Herlihy led a final rallying cry that echoed through Blackburn Court: “This isn’t just a building,” Singh said. “It’s a symbol of who we are, and what it means to be a Hilltopper.”

See all of the weekend’s photos!