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A $7 million donation made by a Portola Valley family will make possible a new modern athletics center for Woodside Priory. The Greg and Christina Baszucki Athletics Center is a 33,000-square-foot facility that will be completed in August 2026.
Greg Baszucki co-founded Knowledge Revolution with his brother David, Roblox founder and CEO. He’s served on Roblox’s board since 2008 and is a serial tech entrepreneur and philanthropist. His contributions have supported education, Stanford Medicine cardiovascular research and veteran support programs. The Baszuckis have three children, all of whom have attended Woodside Priory.
“The things that I love about Priory is it’s one of the few schools where it combines academic rigor and personal well being, so it believes in the mind, body and spirit,” said Greg Baszucki.
More than 80% of its students participate in the athletics program, and Head of School Patrick Ruff said this new facility is not just an upgrade for student athletes but also a “manifestation of our values and mission.”
The idea for the athletics center has been included in Woodside Priory’s master plan since 2006 and is the last building on the plan to be completed, according to Ruff. The current gym was built in the 1960s and is in need of renovation, he added.
The athletics center will be a hub for all students with uses ranging from basketball games, science fairs and robotics competitions. Ruff described the new facility as a place where students can gather, socialize and connect.
“I hope (the athletics center) gives students a chance to participate, to feel a sense of belonging, to feel a sense of pride and to develop their character through experiences,” Ruff said.
The athletics center is being designed by San Francisco-based architect firm EHDD, which is known for designing the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Exploratorium. Nestled in Portola Valley, the new Woodside Priory building will be a timber building designed to blend into the hillside and bucolic nature of the Portola Valley.
Students were also able to provide feedback on the design of the facility, voicing that they wanted gathering nooks where they can do homework and spend time with friends.
Located next to the existing football field, the new center will include a full gymnasium, weight room and locker room. The facility will also have a two-story area with an outdoor amphitheater and terrace that overlooks the field facing Portola Road. The second story will serve as an office space for coaches and a multipurpose room for staff.
Ruff explained that the intention behind the athletics center is not to produce the next Olympic athlete but to create a space where students can learn about the sacrifices, perseverance, life lessons and connectivity that comes through sports and other school programs.
“We all need to move our bodies. Athletics are not only good for confidence, but fitness and body movement is good for wellbeing,” said Baszucki. “(Sports) teaches resilience, discipline, respect, stress release, social connection and competing but staying grounded.”
The athletic center also offers a safe space for young people to gain an introduction into fitness and learn skills that they can take with them for the rest of their lives. Ruff emphasized the value of being physically active and taking care of your body.
“I would hope it helps encourage healthy habits that stay with kids for their entire lives,” said Baszucki.
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