Ball State's softball team has never had a locker room.
Players were forced to keep equipment in their cars and had to change clothes in the parking lot.
Last week, Ball State athletics director Tom Collins announced that the softball team will have a locker room facility by fall semester this year.
"It's long overdue," senior catcher Amanda Montalto said. "I have a lot of friends who play for D-1 schools and the first thing they want to talk about when they go in their freshman year is how amazing their locker room is. That's one of the main things that we've been wanting ever since my freshman year."
The announcement of the locker room facility comes after a visit by the Office for Civil Rights last week. The Star Press also reported the lack of a locker room for the softball team.
Coach Craig Nicholson said the addition of a locker room will benefit the team because it also gives his players a place to hang out. He said it could have a small impact on recruiting as well.
"I don't know that it really changes anybody's mind, but I think it plays a part in the big picture," he said. "So we'll see how it impacts things moving forward."
In years past, six women's teams - softball, soccer, field hockey, cross country, indoor track and outdoor track - shared a general locker room area in the Health and Physical Activity Building but over time had fallen into disuse.
Nicholson said his team's chemistry probably won't be affected because it is already positive.
The lack of a locker room for the softball team was likely an area of compliance with Title IX that was a concern for Ball State.
"I feel like this is a step in the right direction because they're realizing that girl's sports are important just as much as guy's sports," Montalto said. "Do I feel like there's some stuff that can be worked on? Yes, but what school isn't like that?"
Nicholson also said he believes the addition of the locker room is a step in the right direction for the program and Ball State.
Montalto said she wouldn't be picky with the appearance of the locker room but still wants it to appear attractive.
"I would love for it to be as cool as everyone else's," she said. "Maybe if there's a TV in there or something that would be cool. But I don't want to ask too much."
Collins wrote in an e-mail that was forwarded to the Daily News the athletics department moved quickly to address the situation.
Mat Mikesell contributed to this article.
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