WVU Potomac State College student-athletes will compete on a newly refurbished playing surface inside Lough Gymnasium thanks to a partnership with WVU Medicine Potomac Valley Hospital.
The WVU Potomac State College Athletic Department recently unveiled the new playing surface inside Lough Gymnasium with College and Hospital administrators, coaches, and staff present for a first look at the gym floor.
The improvements were made possible by a generous multi-year gift from Potomac Valley Hospital of WV Inc. and Mark Boucot, director and CEO of WVU Medicine Potomac Valley Hospital in Keyser and WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Maryland. As part of the gift, a portion of the floor bears the logo of WVU Medicine and Potomac Valley Hospital alongside the logos of Potomac State College and West Virginia University.
“The hospital is honored to be able to support the college. We’re thrilled to be able to support Potomac State College during this time of remarkable growth that we’re seeing under President Jerry Wallace,” said Mark Boucot, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Potomac Valley Hospital and Garrett Regional Medical Center. “Many graduates are coming to work at the hospital for positions, and we’re thrilled to see the tremendous growth of both the WVU Health System and University in Keyser, West Virginia.”
Pictured (left to right): Martha Ganoe, Head Volleyball Coach; Phillip Douthitt, Dean of Academic and Student Affairs; Dr. Megan Webb, Director of Development and Alumni Relations; Terry Hauser, WVU Board of Governors; Mark Boucot, President and CEO, Potomac Valley Hospital; Dr. Jerry Wallace, President, WVU PSC; Mandi Larkin, Athletic Director; Noah Klingler, Assistant Director of Athletics; Carita Mills, Athletic Trainer; and Larry Kruk, Admissions Counselor and Head Women's Basketball Coach.
WVU Medicine and Potomac Valley Hospital in Keyser have long enjoyed a productive and fruitful partnership, said PSC President Dr. Jerry Wallace.
“The new WVU Potomac State College court looks amazing,” said Dr. Wallace. “We are thankful for all the support we received, including a generous gift from Potomac Valley Hospital. It was great to see the support from PSC coaches, the athletic trainers, and WVU board members. This facility is used by so many in our area, and this is a great way to call attention to their continued support for the College, our students, and for the area.”
Mandi Larkin, director of athletics at PSC said the changes on the floor mean a great deal to her, the basketball coaching staff, and to the players who will use the new court for the first time when play resumes in the fall.
“We are incredibly grateful to WVU Potomac Valley Hospital for believing in our mission and investing in the future of our student-athletes,” Larkin said. “Partnerships like this make a lasting impact, helping us to provide a safe, high-quality environment where our students can compete, learn, and represent our College with pride. Their generosity demonstrates what can be accomplished when our community comes together to support student success.”
In addition to the gym floor renovations, Potomac Valley Hospital previously gifted to the College for the continuing renovations and improvements being made in Science Hall.
In mid-October, the College hosted West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson during the 30th official county visit on his “Welcome Home Tour.” President Benson was joined by local legislators and officials from WVU Medicine.
After the tour, Boucot committed $1 million toward the renovation, primarily in support of the nursing program whose graduates go on to staff WVU Medicine facilities.
“WVU Medicine was delighted to invest in upgrading the science facilities at Potomac State College,” said Boucot at the time. “The College’s Health Sciences programs play an important role in graduating nursing staff and other critical health care workers to serve our communities.”
The remaining $600,000 will be funded by the WVU FY27 Capital Pool.
Construction in this phase is ongoing but expected to be complete before the start of the Fall 2026 semester.
“These renovations are critical for the future and vitality of WVU Potomac State College,” Wallace said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had capital improvements in our classrooms, and it is essential in recruiting that we modernize these spaces to attract new students.”