Cal announces new $1.5 million football wellness center

These facilities will help with the health, nutrition and recovery of Cal football players

Credit: Cal Athletics

Cal will probably never keep out in the athletics facilities race you see at most major collegiate institutions, but even modest gifts can go a long way. So it’s nice to see donors like Paul and Linda White stepping up and providing new facilities for the program.

As of the start of 2024, the Paul F. White Innovation and Wellness Center was introduced to the Simpson Center at the SAHPC in Memorial Stadium. This center will provide Cal football players with a dedicated space for nutrition, rest, and recovery from the day in, day out grind of being football athletes at the University of California.

Things that are being provided:

• Access to an array of healthy snacks

• Smoothie bar

• Pre and post workout recovery options

• Innovative treatments to facilitate recovery

• Access to cold plunge tubs

• Interactive rehabilitation, such as exercise display screens

• High-intensity Curewave laser device for soft-tissue injury recovery

• Rest and recovery area, including a Zerobody float pod.

• Individual sleep pods and massage chairs

White also seems to be a fan of the new Chancellor, Rich Lyons, which is a good sign that his coming is a good thing for the future of Cal athletic donations.

More details are available at CalBears.com:

"In this modern NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) era, it is my hope that the availability of a novel wellness and innovation center dedicated solely to Cal football players will be viewed as providing a real added value by our prospective recruits and their families," Paul White said. "With the impending arrival of Chancellor-Designate Rich Lyons, I anticipate Cal Athletics will have a strong ally as we navigate this landscape in the years ahead!"
 
"With Cal football's focus on providing student-athletes with facilities and resources that will allow them to thrive, Paul and Linda White's gift is truly making a significant impact," Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox said. "Furthermore, in addition to providing current student-athletes with an improved experience, it is helping Cal attract the next generation of football players. The $1.5 million project provides a critical enhancement to the Cal football program, especially in the changing landscape of college athletics and recruiting."