Hidalgo Team Lounge

The University of Dayton Division of Athletics dedicated a new Flyer men's and women's soccer team lounge in October of 2018. - the Hidalgo Team Lounge is named in honor of alumnus and former UD men's soccer player Joaquin "Joaque" Hidalgo '83.

The team lounge, which includes a dramatically improved film and meeting space, is a cutting edge facility located in the Frericks Center.

"This renovation greatly enhances the student-athlete experience, not only for men's and women's soccer, but for many other teams." UD Vice President and Director of Athletics Neil Sullivan said. "It is a critically improved gathering space for all of our Frericks Center-based teams. We cannot express, enough, how thankful we are to Joaquin for his generosity in making this project a reality. His desire to give back to the University and to Dayton soccer is very much appreciated."

The 2,500 square-foot, dual space features a player lounge on one side and a film/meeting room on the other.

The soccer teams' player lounge includes a kitchenette, multiple televisions, Xbox and PlayStation consoles, a foosball table, as well as a recruiting corner which includes an interactive TV with highlights and stats. Some of the other noted features are improved Wi-Fi, dimmable lighting, a dramatic ceiling that includes a back-lit, winged-D Dayton logo, comfortable couches and chairs, high-back chairs, and a secure entrance.

"The space has incredible energy and professionalism along with video capabilities that will allow it to have many other functions including team meetings, tactics, video editing, alumni functions and a place to showcase our program to our prospective student-athletes," said Dayton men's soccer head coach Dennis Currier. "Joaquin's generous donation will certainly impact our men's and women's soccer programs significantly."

The meeting side has seating for 100+, and full video and audio capabilities featuring a drop down large screen and projector in the front of the room and two large flat-screen televisions in the back of room.

"The Hidalgo Lounge is truly a remarkable and unique space within the collegiate soccer landscape," said Dayton women's soccer head coach Eric Golz. "We are so incredibly appreciative of the support and vision provided by Joaquin Hidalgo to help make this dream a reality."

Hidalgo earned a bachelor of science in marketing from the University of Dayton in 1983, and was a member of the men's soccer team. He joined Nike in 1990, and held various potions as a senior executive in marketing, sales, and general management for almost three decades. His positions included Global Vice President for Nike Soccer from 1998-2002 and Global Chief Marketing Officer from 2006-2010. He retired from Nike in 2017 as President of Nike North America.

What People Are Saying:
UD Vice President/Director of Athletics Neil Sullivan
"This renovation greatly enhances student-athlete experiences for not only soccer, but it is a critically improved gathering space for many other teams. This project is a prime example of our mission of supporting and promoting high-quality athletic programs that advance the University's goal of being recognized as a top-tier Catholic research university through a richer student experience, and strengthened alumni engagement and donor support. The soccer programs have also benefited from three other major projects in the last four years: the Klesse Soccer Training Complex (dedicated April 2017), the resurfacing of Baujan Field (summer of 2015), and the Olsen Athletics Performance Center (dedicated December 2014).

Men's Soccer Head Coach Dennis Currier
"In the world of athletics, this room is best described as a 'game-changer'. First and foremost, it gives our current student-athletes a place to relax during the day and create stronger bonds. It also gives more meaning to 'game day' since it allows our athletes a place to go for pre-game meals and activities. We are always looking for a competitive edge when it comes to recruiting and I believe this room will be unmatched to any other Division I soccer program when it comes to a player lounge. The space has incredible energy and professionalism along with video capabilities that will allow it to have many other functions including team meetings, tactics, video editing, alumni functions and a place to showcase our program to our prospective student-athletes. Joaquin's generous donation will certainly impact our men's and women's soccer programs significantly."

Women's Soccer Head Coach Eric Golz
"The Hidalgo Lounge is truly a remarkable and unique space within the collegiate soccer landscape. It will have a significant impact on our program in celebrating our great history, providing better resources for our current student-athletes and enhancing recruiting to help build a brighter future for our program. The lounge provides a space for our current student-athletes to build relationships with their teammates, allow them to properly refuel, utilizing the kitchen space, and serve as an incredible interactive learning space that we can use for small group and team film sessions. The Hidalgo Lounge is quite simply a game-changer, and we are so incredibly appreciative of the support and vision provided by Joaquin Hidalgo to help make this dream a reality."