W&M to construct new lacrosse/soccer stadium
Martin Stadium An architectural rendering of the plaza outside of the proposed lacrosse and soccer stadium. Image courtesy of university development
Have a seat An architectural drawing of the aerial view of the bleachers and press box from the field at Martin Stadium. Image courtesy of university development
The College receives a transformational gift that will change the women's lacrosse and men's and women's soccer programs.
The College of William & Mary today announced the commitment of a significant gift to fully fund the first phase of a new lacrosse/soccer stadium at Albert-Daly Field, home of the Tribe's women's lacrosse and men's and women's soccer programs.
The new stadium — the Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field — named in honor of Eff and Patty Martin, and their children, Andrew, Christine and Julia ’09 — is a 1,000-seat pavilion, which features a state-of-the-art press box, filming positions and restroom facilities. The project will be completed in the spring of 2011.
“The great generosity of the Martin family is going to make a serious difference for the better in William & Mary’s athletic program. Our lacrosse and soccer teams will finally have a facility commensurate with their own excellence. We are very grateful,” said Taylor Reveley, president of the College.
Eff and Patty Martin began their relationship with William & Mary when Julia selected the College to continue her education after graduating from the Menlo School in Atherton, Calif. “We quickly fell in love with William & Mary — its traditions, academic opportunities and the people,” explained Eff. “Patty and I have had a great experience at William & Mary — one of the best experiences of ours and Julia’s lives.”
Frequent visitors to campus and spectators at games, the Martins bonded with Julia’s teammates and their parents. “This [supporting the lacrosse and soccer programs] is our opportunity to continue our relationship with the College,” said Eff. “We know the rising seniors and their parents, and would enjoy the opportunity to watch them play in the new stadium.”
“The magnitude of this gift from the Martin family is truly transforming for our women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s soccer teams,” said Terry Discroll, director of Athletics. “The Martin Family Stadium creates an invaluable recruiting tool for our coaches as it clearly demonstrates the level of commitment the programs receive. Also, their generosity will provide our fans with a venue, which is second-to-none in our league and will stand alongside any in the nation.”
Sharing her father’s passion for athletics, Julia was a four-year standout lacrosse player at Menlo School, earning multiple U.S. Lacrosse regional All-America honors. She also spent a two-year stint as member of the Pacific Region team that was coached by former Tribe assistant coach Tara Hannaford ’01, who recruited Julia to William & Mary.
As a member of the Tribe lacrosse squad, Julia made appearances in the Colonial Athletic Association Championship Tournament three of her four seasons, including helping the squad to back-to-back regular season titles as a junior and as a senior. Julia co-captained the 2009 squad that set a school record for conference wins. She graduated with a degree in kinesiology, with an art minor. Currently, Julia serves the College as an assistant media relations director in charge of video production for the Athletic department.
