Bishop Steven Raica inaugurated this season of renewal at a school Mass in December 2024, noting, “John Carroll is a blessed mission. Now, more than ever, it is poised to become even more mission minded — to form students in mind, heart, body, and soul.” Bishop Raica’s comments celebrate the traditional mission of Catholic education, to offer holistic and integral education and formation at a time when so many hunger for faith, family, and virtue.

This transformative initiative, launched through the vision and generosity of the John Carroll Excellence in Athletics Foundation, broke ground in early 2025 and is already reshaping the campus experience — uniting faith, academics, and athletics in heart, mind, body, and soul.

Founded in 2023, the John Carroll Excellence in Athletics Foundation brings together dedicated alumni, clergy, and community supporters committed to strengthening athletic and academic opportunities for current and future generations of Cavaliers. Co-chaired by Gary Cooney and Jean Sullivan, other foundation members include Richard Cashio ’75; Father Jon Chalmers; Michael Davis; Father Leonard Mary, M.F.V.A.; Will Mara ’11; Paula Marino; Mike Plaia ’90; David Shelby ’68; Ronald Steele ’04; and Stan White.

Their mission: to provide world-class facilities and programming that reinforce the school’s Catholic identity and pursuit of excellence in all facets of student life.

At the heart of the project is the conversion of Pat Sullivan Field to the Shaw Sports High-Performance Legion NXT 2.0 Synthetic Turf System with the Brock Shock Pad. This surface features a patented, eco-friendly natural infill made from walnut shells, coconut husk, cork, and sand, delivering the authentic feel of natural grass with the durability and safety of advanced synthetic design.

The project also includes renovation of the track with installation of a new asphalt subsurface paired with Bayon polyurethane track surfacing, which is the same technology used for the 2025 U.S. Olympic Trials and NCAA Power Five Championship venues.

Additionally, new LED field lighting for softball, baseball, and football, featuring fully programmable musical sequencing for special events was installed. Another upgrade included a state-of-the-art Daktronics video display, one of the largest in Alabama, measuring 26 feet high by 47 feet wide, with 10mm pixel spacing. The new system includes the Daktronics Show Control System and Sportsound Audio, delivering high-fidelity sound for fans and athletes alike. The baseball field house, football press box, and concession stand underwent comprehensive renovation, including new HVAC systems to protect critical technology. Infrastructure enhancements also took place, featuring upgraded concrete walkways, fencing, and electrical systems to support expanded operations.

In a special tribute to John Carroll alumnus and Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan ’68, Jean Sullivan and the Sullivan family petitioned the Heisman Foundation to grant permission for the school to proudly display the official Heisman logo on the field, making John Carroll Catholic the only high school authorized to do so.

The project has also comprehensively renovated the existing field house with state-of-the-art technology and innovative interior design. Currently under way, Phase 2 will see the construction of a cutting-edge new strength and performance center that will house training technologies equivalent to those enjoyed by top-tier college programs.

Complementing the athletic advancements, John Carroll Catholic is expanding academic opportunities through a new curriculum partnership with area universities and the Franciscan Friars of the Eternal Word.

The collaboration will feature integrated business leadership coursework, entrepreneurial learning modules, and media communication programs aligned with Catholic values. Through these partnerships, students will gain exposure to real-world business principles, ethical leadership, and digital media communication — anchored in the school’s mission-centered education.

“These enhancements and collaborations represent the renewal of John Carroll’s longstanding commitment to excellence,” said Father Chalmers, president of John Carroll Catholic High School. “Our students will benefit from facilities and programs that shape them into leaders of great faith, intellect, and integrity.”

These projects represent the first large steps toward comprehensive renewal of the John Carroll Catholic campus and program. As Foundation Board member, Catholic school parent, and volunteer coach Stan White remarks, “This is not just an athletic improvement phase, this is about improving overall John Carroll.”

The project embodies John Carroll Catholic High School’s continued pursuit of excellence across faith formation, academics, and athletics, ensuring that every student grows in heart, mind, body, and soul.