Duchesne breaks ground on state-of-the-art athletic complex

(Omaha, Neb.) — Construction on Duchesne Academy’s athletic complex and commons is set to begin this fall. The academy will break ground on this historic project at a special ceremony on the campus courtyard Thursday, Sept. 5^th at 4 PM.

 

The $31 million project is part of Phase II of Duchesne’s Campus Master Plan. Phase I, which restored the academy’s chapel and renovated the theater, wrapped up construction in 2023.

Phase II will include a student commons area, installation of a geothermal system, and a state-of-the-art athletic complex designed for young female athletes. With more than 75% of Duchesne students playing at least one sport, this will positively impact future generations of Duchesne students.

 

“This is a dream come true for the Duchesne community,” Head of School Meg Brudney said. “We provide a rigorous education for young women in Omaha, and many of our athletic teams are some of the best in the state. Now our facilities can match our abilities.”

 

The athletic complex will include a cheering section that can seat up to 1200 fans, an indoor track, an expanded weight room, and updated locker rooms among other amenities. In addition, a field with a turf playing surface will be a game-changer for outdoor sports.

 

Crews will drill hundreds of well points in the existing soccer field to install a geothermal system. This effort in sustainability will contribute to Duchesne Academy’s goal of 0 carbon emissions by 2045. The geothermal system has a lifespan of up to 50 years, and will help keep about 143 tons of CO2 out of the environment.

 

Adjacent to the athletic complex will be a commons area that will serve as a cafeteria to seat all members of the Duchesne community. The existing cafeteria will be remodeled into a commercial kitchen and serving area.

 

“At Duchesne, we often say, ‘We pray together, and we eat together’,” Brudney said. “We recently restored our historic Chapel to pray together, now we are expanding our cafeteria to have more room to eat together.”

 

About Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

Duchesne Academy is an all-girls Catholic high school and coed preschool in the heart of Omaha. Celebrating Sacred Heart values, Duchesne educates young women to be active participants in their own development. The academy provides a safe, loving place for students to learn how to evaluate complex matters with poise and discernment. Duchesne Academy is a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School for our efforts in sustainability.

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