Construction of the new St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center on the campus of Schoolcraft College officially began after a ceremonial groundbreaking on Monday, January 27.

As part of our continuing mission to serve the community, Schoolcraft College will be expanding both youth and adult continuing education programs within this facility as well. Further, Schoolcraft students, athletes, faculty and staff also will have expanded access to wellness and fitness components provided.

In addition to being the future western suburban home of the Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy with 75,227 square feet of multipurpose space, the facility will house a state-of-the art Fitness Laboratory, classroom space and faculty offices for Schoolcraft College’s Associate Degree program in Movement Science. 

The Fitness Lab is designed to train students in performance testing, applied exercise physiology and other skills. The Movement Science program will take advantage of Mercy Elite’s presence on campus in the support of academic programs, job shadowing and internship opportunities.

“The St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center is the latest example of what’s been an excellent partnership between the healthcare system and the school,” said Shannon Striebich, President, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland.

“This facility will enable us to grow our collaboration with the fitness leadership program at the college in several ways,” she said. “One, we’ll provide rotations for students in physical therapy, exercise science and strength and conditioning.”

“Second, we’ll be working closely with students using a new sophisticated level of sports performance technology. We’ll be able to drill down on metrics like resting metabolic rate and create customized programs for individuals that allow them to achieve their desired results, whether that’s better health or increased performance on the field.”

Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy is one of the most successful and most respected volleyball clubs in the state, region and country. Steve Sack, one of the owners, said the group is “beyond excited” about the new partnership.

“At Michigan Elite, one of our primary goals is to teach our players the game of volleyball, which we do with unparalleled success,” he said. “An equally important goal is the entire growth of the athlete. This new facility and partnership reflects our commitment to provide a world-class atmosphere not only for our players to grow and develop as athletes and people, but also our commitment to our families and the volleyball community in general to providing unparalleled competition and spectating experience.”

Another youth sports organization, the Michigan Wolves-Hawks Soccer Club, which is based in Livonia, is excited to build upon its partnership as well.

“Our membership has increased by over 60 percent since our partnership with Schoolcraft College began and the St. Joe’s Sport Dome opened in 2017,” said Ed McCarthy, Executive Director, Michigan Wolves Soccer Club. “The facilities, perfectly located here on the campus of Schoolcraft College, have allowed us to maximize player development by providing the majority of our training and games at a single location with exceptional quality.”

The expanded facilities and support mean a bright future for the club.

“We are excited to be a small part of this expansion with the exceptional partners we have grown with, at a location and campus we have come to call home,” McCarthy said.

“I think you’re going to see some marvelous things take place, not only for our own students but for the youngsters in these other organizations,” said Dr. Conway A. Jeffress, Schoolcraft College president. The new facility will be just across from the St. Joe’s Sports Dome, which draws numerous youth sports organizations in addition to serving Schoolcraft College teams.

Dr. Glenn Cerny, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Schoolcraft College, underlined the point that skills developed playing sports are desired by employers.

“All the people you are bringing in for soccer and volleyball are our students,” he said. “Our employers are looking for discipline, teamwork and communication.”

The St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center is expected to be completed in late summer 2020.