New Cougar Conditioning Center gives athletes a leg up

Santa Catalina School athletes will take their training to the next level with the opening of the new Cougar Conditioning Center.

The facility offers an exciting new space for students to learn how to get strong, both physically and mentally, and to gain confidence in their abilities. The center will not only give Cougar athletes a competitive edge, but also equip them with skills that will support a lifetime of health and wellness.

The conditioning center, housed on the ground floor of the library building, features a full suite of equipment—styled in Catalina blue and gold—to deliver a full body workout. Many of the Keiser brand machines are powered by air resistance, allowing users to adjust their workout with the press of a button. In addition to the main workout space, students can also take advantage of a pliability room for yoga or group exercise.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held during Cougar Fan Day on October 8. Featured speakers included Head of School Dr. Barbara Ostos; trustee Kenny Peyton, who helped bring the project to fruition; Athletic Director Kendra Klein; student body president Gaby Salazar Zaied ’24; and special guest Brita Sigourney ’08, an Olympic bronze medalist in halfpipe skiing.

Gaby, a tennis and soccer player, thanked the administration and donors for providing the new space. “Their support goes beyond financial contributions—they believe in our potential and want us to succeed,” she said.

Brita, who competed in water sports during her time at Catalina, talked about the importance of young women having their own space to build strength and learn how their bodies move, without fear of judgment. “I never knew how empowering it would be to attend an all-girls high school until I came here and was competing in sports without any hesitation or doubt that I belonged there,” she said. “Being a woman in high school and not having to worry about what other people think of you is a really cool thing.”