The Gene Deal Fields

(The above architectural drawings are early representations of the Gene Deal Fields.)

The Gene Deal Fields project is a transformative $1.75 million athletic facilities initiative that will honor the extraordinary legacy of longtime SSA coach and Director of Athletics Gene Deal.

In partnership with Strada LLC, a Pittsburgh-based design firm, Shady Side will turn its lower grass athletic fields on the Senior School campus into a state-of-the-art outdoor sports complex featuring a number of critical enhancements, highlighted by a multi-use turf field lined for lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball and field hockey. The project will include a dramatically improved spectator experience, including a new grandstand, viewing pavilion and terrace, scoreboard, and upgraded landscaping and walkways. There will also be new team dugouts and a batting tunnel for baseball and softball. In addition, the project will feature innovative drainage and storm management systems.

Honoring Gene Deal

Hired in 1982 and appointed as SSA's fifth athletic director in 1990, Gene Deal has been a beloved figure at Shady Side Academy for more than three decades. He played a central role in the Academy's 1992 decision to rejoin the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL). This was a bold, visionary move that meaningfully changed the face of SSA’s athletic program, increasing its visibility and providing its teams with important competitive balance. Under Deal’s leadership, Shady Side has won 64 WPIAL titles, four WIHLMA titles and 15 PIAA state championships in 18 different boys’ and girls’ sports since 1993.

At the end of the 2020-2021 school year, Deal will step down after 31 years as AD to assume a new role as an alumni engagement officer at SSA. The Gene Deal Fields will be a fitting testament to his leadership and many years of service to Shady Side Academy and its Athletic Department.

Enhanced Utility & Durability

With nearly 700 students enrolled in the Middle and Senior Schools – a number that is likely to grow higher in the coming years – and only one turf field supporting many teams, first-rate field space is currently at a premium at Shady Side. This results in many teams having to play or practice on grass fields that are often unplayable due to adverse weather conditions, poor drainage, and wear and tear from a high volume of use.

By contrast, The Gene Deal Fields will be all-weather, all-season and durable enough to withstand constant use year-round, enabling more SSA teams the daily opportunity to develop their skills and compete. Put simply: Shady Side’s teams will be able to play more games and hold more practices than ever before.

Upgraded Spectator Experience and Gathering Space

The Gene Deal Fields will feature meaningful enhancements for spectators, significantly improving upon the rickety wooden bleachers that currently overlook the lower fields. At the moment, most parents, students, alumni, and fans must bring their own chairs or stand on the hillside while watching games. A new grandstand and a beautiful terrace and pavilion will not only improve the spectator experience but also provide the Shady Side community with an outdoor gathering space conducive to both small and large events, such as Homecoming tailgates, admissions open houses, and parent socials.

Increased Community Engagement & Visibility

The Gene Deal Fields will enable Shady Side to increase engagement with surrounding communities by making the facility available to youth, recreational and nonprofit organizations when not in use by SSA teams. Shady Side will also be able to host WPIAL and PIAA playoffs at this facility, something that will increase the Academy’s visibility and community partnerships.

Improved Cost Effectiveness

While upfront base preparation of a newly sodded grass field is less costly than the installation of a multi-use turf field, the significant cost savings from turf over a period of years make it a much more financially sustainable option for the Academy. Grass fields simply do not get enough usage to justify the continually rising costs of their maintenance and upkeep. Additionally, year-round rentals of the facility will provide auxiliary revenue to the Academy.

Timeline, Cost & Funding

Construction of the Gene Deal Fields is tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2021, with the goal of having the fields ready in time for the fall 2021 season.

This $1.75 million project is being funded entirely by donations. Thanks to a generous lead gift from the DSF Charitable Foundation and additional major gifts from a range of SSA community members, to date more than $1 million has been raised in gifts and commitments.

You can make a gift online in support of the Gene Deal Fields, or for major gift and naming opportunities, please contact Dr. Allison Saras at asaras@shadysideacademy.org or 412-968-3077 or Jamie Scott '98 at jscott@shadysideacademy.org or 412-968-3032.

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