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Howard Volleyball’s New Locker Room Was Built on One Thing: Trust

When Howard University’s volleyball team reached out about upgrading their locker room, they weren’t coming in with some huge, over-the-top wish list.

They had a simple goal:

Move on from old metal lockers… and create something that felt more modern, more intentional, and more like their program.

They wanted the space to feel clean, sharp, elevated — but they also needed to stay realistic about budget.

They weren’t looking for flash.

They were looking for the right solution.

“They saw our gray lockers from another project and immediately said, ‘That’s it.’ But we had to make it work within their budget. So we got creative.”

— Grace Parker, Project Lead, Legends Custom Lockers

Start With the Look.

Then Engineer the Fit.

The design inspiration came quickly.

Howard’s staff loved the gray laminate lockers we’d done for EMU football — smooth, modern, and strong without feeling overdesigned.

That was the direction.

But like most athletic programs, the next part of the conversation was the real one:

What can we do within the numbers?

Phenolic wasn’t going to make sense here. It’s an incredible material, but it comes with a higher price tag — and Howard was working with a tighter budget.

So we walked them through another option: TFL laminate on a durable core.

It gave them the look they wanted, held up beautifully for their environment, and kept the project affordable.

And honestly, that one decision opened the door for the details that made the room feel personal.

That’s where we were able to say yes to upgrades like:

  • Custom cushioned seating for comfort
  • Full-color logos and program graphics to bring identity into the space
  • An ADA bench to make sure the room worked for everyone

“They originally weren’t sure if the logos or custom graphics were even possible in their budget. But once we worked through the material options, we found space to make it happen — and that changed everything about how the room felt.”

— Grace Parker

Fast Timeline. Zero Corners Cut.

This wasn’t a project that stretched out forever.

Howard came to us in the spring, and by late summer, the locker room was installed and ready for the season.

That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen unless everyone stays aligned — and Howard was incredibly responsive throughout the process.

There was no guessing, no scrambling at the last minute.

Everything was mapped out clearly:

Locker-by-locker layouts

Dimension sign-offs

Real-time updates during delivery and installation

Grace stayed closely involved the entire way — from the first rendering to the final walkthrough.

“They were amazing to work with. Super responsive. Every approval came back same day, sometimes within the hour. That’s rare. But it’s also why we were able to move so fast and still do it right.”

— Grace Parker

A Simple Room That Delivers Big Impact

Howard didn’t need bells and whistles.

They needed quality, clarity, and a partner who could guide them through the decisions without overcomplicating it.

The final result is a locker room that feels sharp, functional, and proud.

Logos where they matter. Materials that hold up. A design the athletes are genuinely excited to walk into every day.

And the best part?

This volleyball project is already creating momentum — the softball program is now looking at upgrades of their own.

Why This Project Stuck With Us

If you manage athletic facilities, you know the balance you’re always trying to hit:

  • Limited budgets
  • Pressure to deliver something impressive
  • No time for vendors who overpromise and disappear halfway through

This project worked because trust went both ways.

Howard stayed engaged, moved quickly, and gave us the space to do what we do best:

Solve problems. Build smart. Deliver something that works.

“Not every project moves this fast. But when everyone’s aligned, it proves that you can get great results without dragging it out or blowing the budget.”

— Grace Parker

Looking to Upgrade Your Locker Room Without the Runaround?

We’re here for that.

At Legends Custom Lockers, we specialize in fast, clean, high-quality locker room solutions that work for your team, your budget, and your space.

Whether you’re refreshing one room or building something brand new, we’ll help you find the right materials, the right design, and the right plan to get it done.

Let’s build something that works

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