Texas Tech University Athletics
Marsha Sharp Center for Student-Athletes Officially Opens
January 21, 2004 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 22, 2004
LUBBOCK, Texas - The Marsha Sharp Center for Student-Athletes opened today, (Jan. 22), on the Texas Tech campus. The center will recognize the academic achievements of student-athletes and provide academic, classroom and computer laboratory space. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place today at 11 a.m. on the north side of the Marsha Sharp Center for Student-Athletes in the patio area between the center and Frazier Pavilion.
The center demonstrates Texas Tech's commitment to academic excellence and honors the long-time coach of the Lady Raider basketball team, said Texas Tech University System Chancellor David R. Smith, M.D.
"Coach Sharp and each of our coaches are committed to making our student-athletes successful in their chosen sport and in their lives after they leave Texas Tech. This new building will help us reach that goal," said Smith.
Sharp, who was instrumental in the establishing the facility, said Texas Tech sets high standards for student-athletes. "We always stress the importance of academics for our athletes. We believe that if we are going to have excellent athletic facilities, then we need to have excellent academic facilities as well."
Texas Tech President Jon Whitmore, Ph.D., is pleased the facility also will honor Coach Sharp. "The Lady Raiders and Marsha Sharp have long been outstanding ambassadors for Texas Tech. This center not only demonstrates our dedication to academics, but also allows us to show our appreciation to Coach Sharp for her more than two decades of service to the university. We want everyone to know that we want the standards of excellence she sets for her teams to be the standards set for all Red Raiders."
Fund raising for the $2.6 million center began in 1998 with a $100,000 gift from Coach Sharp. "I wanted get involved with this project because it benefits all of our student-athletes," she said. "We want all of our students to do well at Texas Tech and after they graduate. For most of these students, athletics is a means to a degree that will serve them in life."
The 15,500-square foot building includes two classrooms, two computer labs, 26 tutoring rooms, a career planning and placement office, a study lounge and administrative offices. The Wick and Janna Alexander Academic Hall of Honor will recognize student-athletes who excel in the classroom. A grove of trees on the east side of the building will honor Texas Tech student athletes who have passed away.
