After three successful decades, UW–Madison finally outgrew its beloved Southeast Recreation Facility (SERF), and in 2014, planning began for a new exercise destination. Construction on the Nicholas Recreation Facility (the Nick) was completed in fall 2020, offering remarkable enhancements in its 170,000 square feet — almost double the size of the SERF. An exciting development within the Nick is the Soderholm Family Aquatic Center, which has significantly improved the experiences of UW–Madison student-athletes, coaches, and visitors alike.
Total construction costs came to approximately $96 million, with operation and maintenance expenses shared equally between University Recreation & Wellbeing and the Department of Athletics. Without the visionary support of generous alumni like Joe ’76, MBA ’77 and Stacy ’86 Soderholm, none of this would have been possible. The Soderholms raised three daughters — Abby ’11, Becca, and Chelsea — who all swam competitively throughout the Midwest in high school and college, and they have been long acquainted with what’s necessary for a suitable and worthy natatorium.
“When the opportunity came to donate to the new aquatic center, Stacy and I knew we wanted to help,” says Joe. “We realized how much this would impact current swim families as well as future swimmers. We also knew it would be a great asset to the university.”
The state-of-the-art facility is home to the UW–Madison swimming and diving teams, led by head coach Yuri Suguiyama. It features an Olympic-sized, 50-meter pool that can be converted into different configurations, including two 25-yard pools, lanes for open lap swimming, and a 25-yard diving well. The competition pool includes a movable floor, granting a depth of up to nine feet. With seating for up to up to 1,200 spectators, the Soderholm Center is also ideal for hosting Big Ten Conference meets and NCAA diving events, as well as youth meets and events such as the CrossFit Games, inner tube water polo, and water volleyball.
“This level of adaptability is critical for meeting both recreational and athletic needs,” says Aaron Hobson ’08, executive director for University Recreation & Wellbeing.
The ongoing impact of donor contributions is no small matter with projects of this magnitude. “The Soderholms’ support and leadership on the project was a defining moment in our swimming and diving program’s history,” says Chad Kimmel, associate athletic director of development. “Without their generosity, we would be swimming in troubled waters.”
Two-time Olympian Phoebe Bacon x’25 believes the high-performance aquatic center played a major role in her training, a role that has proven to be both practical and inspiring. “If we just had the Nat, it would definitely have been hard for me to get the long-course training that I really need and love.”
As Badgers and lifelong Midwesterners, the Soderholms are honored to be a part of the expansion and modernization of competitive spaces for UW swimmers and fans. “One of the main reasons we are proud to be part of the Soderholm Aquatic Center is that it benefits the entire university family and elevates swimming in Madison and across the state,” says Joe.
“The University of Wisconsin–Madison will always be a special place for us,” Stacy says. “We hope that this pool is enjoyed by many people in the years to come.”