Wellesley College PE, Recreation & Athletics Facilities
Keohane Sports Center
The Nannerl O. Keohane Sports Center, named after Wellesley's former president, makes it possible for the entire college community to engage in physical activity year round. In addition, the PERA department provides physical education classes and many hours of recreation time for Wellesley students and employees. The Sports Center is the focal point for activity and wellness for the college community. It is the site for Wellesley's varsity team practices and competition.
Dorothy Towne Fieldhouse
The centerpiece of the Keohane Sports Center is the Dorothy Towne
Fieldhouse, featuring a main varsity basketball court with a
hardwood floor. A four-lane 200-meter track surrounds the perimeter
of the fieldhouse.
Chandler Pool
Chandler Pool is one of the finest swimming and diving facilities
in the New England region. It is the competition site for the
Wellesley swimming and diving team and the host site for numerous
championships and the Wellesley masters swim program.
Activity Studios &
Multipurpose Gym
Located within the Keohane Sports Center are two dance/yoga and
fencing studios and a multi-purpose gymnasium. These three sites
are used for the varsity fencing and volleyball teams, as well as
the college community for PE and recreation activities such as
dance, yoga, fencing, badminton, aerobics, and self-defense.
Strength and
Conditioning
The Wellesley College Exercise Machine Room is equipped with a state-of-the-art Cybex circuit, free weights and a Gravitron Machine. An additional free weight room is located adjacent to the Weight Training Room located on the lower level of the Keohane Sports Center. An Olympic free-weight and conditioning area dedicated to varsity athletes is also located on the lower level. Cardiovascular equipment, including new stairmasters, stationary bikes, treadmills and rowing machines are located inside the Dorothy Towne Field House.
Spinning Room
Opened in 2009, the Spinning Room at the KSC features new equipment including state-of-the art spinning bikes, a flat screen TV and a sound system.
Sports
Medicine/Athletic Training Room
Also located within the Keohane Sports Center is the Wellesley College Athletic Training Room accesible for all Wellesley varsity student-athletes. Extensive preventative injury and rehabilitive equipment is located in the lower level of the Keohane Sports Center.
Outdoor Fields Complex
Wellesley boasts one of the country’s best outdoor fields complex. The soccer team competes on a gorgeous natural grass field with a separate practice facility. Field Hockey and Lacrosse compete on a turf field surrounded by an eight-lane track. There are eight lighted tennis courts for varsity and recreation use. An award-winning softball diamond completes the complex, as the field was selected to host the 2010 NCAA Regional Tournament and was named the 2011 NFCA Field of the Year.
Nehoiden Golf Course
In 1892, a seven-hole golf course was constructed on the grounds of Wellesley College, one of the first golf courses in New England. Although golf was noted as a college activity as early as 1893, a student golf club was not formed until the fall of 1896 under the auspices of the newly formed Wellesley Athletic Association. Eventually, the Wellesley Golf Club was formed, with its members drawn from the College, Dana Hall School, and the Town of Wellesley. In 1900, the club petitioned the College for development of a new nine-hole golf course on college property, built on the current Washington Street-Dover Road site. In 1906, the College reclaimed possession of the course and responsibility for its maintenance and management. The club was reorganized as the Wellesley College Golf Club and, in 1908, the College reopened membership to residents of the Town of Wellesley. The golf course was renamed Nehoiden in 1929 and continues to be owned and maintained by the College. Nehoiden is currently the oldest nine-hole golf course in the country.
