As a venue that the Cavaliers have thrived in, one that creates an enjoyable experience for fans and one that gives opposing teams headaches, Memorial Gymnasium has been home to the volleyball team at various points during the past four decades.
Memorial Gymnasium was built in 1924 and was the home of Virginia basketball for 42 seasons until the construction of University Hall was completed in 1965.
Mem Gym then served as the volleyball team's home from 1979 to 1998, when the team relocated to University Hall. Over time, the facility became run-down and was not attracting the caliber of recruits that the program needed.
All of this changed in summer 2003 when Mem Gym underwent a complete make-over thanks to $1.5 million from an anonymous donor. Renovations included better lighting and sound systems; a new scoreboard, new bleachers and windows; resurfacing and remarking of the floor; a better air-flow system; a new court divider; and a fresh layer of paint.
In addition, former Virginia volleyball captain and 1998 graduate Amy Mitchell Griffin donated $1 million intended solely for the volleyball program. This donation, the first at this level ever made to an Olympic sport at the University, funded the construction of a team locker room in 2003.
"Mem Gym is the perfect volleyball facility," Virginia coach Melissa Aldrich Shelton said. "We have three practice courts, so we can maximally utilize our time. Our locker room facility is gorgeous, spacious and functional, and our game court is among the loudest on the East Coast. Mem is the type of facility we needed to attract top-level recruits from across the nation."
Since returning to Mem Gym, the Cavaliers have posted a 46-15 record, giving the team a winning percentage of .754. Against non-conference opponents, the Cavaliers are a dominant 17-2 since 2003.
This season Virginia has posted a 4-2 mark at home, including victories against rivals Virginia Tech and Florida State.
With free admission for both students and the general public, the volleyball program has amassed a large following from both the student body and the local community.
This interest can be seen in not only the fact that almost every match attracts a standing-room-only crowd, but also the noise level. Having a conversation proves difficult in the rowdy environment.
"Mem Gym is so tough to play in," Virginia senior middle Katie Oakes said. "It's hot, the fans are close, and it makes it easier for us ... to win at home."
With the combination of a raucous environment and a talented team, there is no reason to believe Virginia should not continue to enjoy success at Memorial Gymnasium this season.
The Cavaliers return home this week after traveling to Georgia Tech and Clemson this past weekend. They will take on Boston College Friday night before facing Maryland Saturday evening.
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