Sanderson Center

★sharon mckneely

In the famous words of Tyra Banks from America’s Next Top Model, “It is so bad, I want to give you a zero. But that’s not possible, so I give you a one.” And honestly? That sums up my experience at this gym’s rock wall. My first impressions were full of hope—bright lights, happy music, the faint scent of chlorine and ambition—but those dreams were quickly crushed under the weight of the demonic contraption they dare to call a “rock wall.” As a devoted and devout Baptist wife, I was appalled. Each handhold seemed designed to mock me, each foothold a trap laid by some malevolent force. Gravity itself appeared to conspire against me. I tried. Oh, how I tried. But the wall would not be defeated. Enter the handsome, scruffy, and heroic employee... whose name I didn't catch. He appeared like a guardian angel with a harness. He reassured me, cheered me on, and literally caught me when I flailed like a newborn giraffe. With his encouragement, I realized that while I may not have conquered the wall, I survived with my dignity mostly intact. He reminded me, and everyone watching, that we can do hard things…even if the wall itself is evil incarnate. So, dear readers, I leave you with this: avoid the rock wall if you value your pride, but go for the experience if you want to witness courage, heroism, and rock-wall boy—the man, the myth, the savior of struggling climbers. And to the wall? Shame.

★★★Tiffany Womack

I think it is one of the best fitness experiences you can get in Starkville. None of the other facilities in town come close in what they can offer. I always equate it to a souped up YMCA type experience. It's mostly college students since it's on campus and offered as a part of the college experience for the students, but they offer SUPER competitive prices for the community to scoop memberships too. You can also get discounts as alumni and students. Even though it's on campus, my wife and I have been members for over 3 years now and I also came frequently when I was a kid in Starkville and it's never been an overwhelming experience. They've got an indoor pool that's crazy huge, pilates, spin classes, and all sorts of programs you can be a part of. They also let you do kid parties and offer summer camp options in the community all the time. The only cons are sometimes they have to shutdown on school scheduled holidays and for games and stuff because of the other con...parking. Parking is horrendous most the time because you share parking with students who are going to class. It's not too bad if you drag yourself in early, but around 8am or 9am the college is buzzing and you're too late. Overall though, I think it is one of the best workout experiences you can get in Starkville if the schedule and parking don't bother you.

★★★★★Jonathan Baucom

Awesome facility with very friendly staff. Students, faculty and other people go there and everyone on the basketball courts were nice and not taking anything too serious. No masks required which was probably the best thing vs New Mexico (where I live). Definitely looking forward to hitting the courts again sometime.

★★★★★Grace Lake

It's was my first time going, but the place is wonderful.

★★★★★Debisree Ray

Absolute good place, if you love sports and outdoor recreation. All equipped gym, with locker facility. Nice indoor swimming pool inside. You can hire a trainer. The entire facility is ‘ free’ if you are Mississippi state student. Else, you can pay for it. But this is totally worth. They regularly offer yoga / Zumba / hiphop etc. classes throughout the semester. However, their weekend timing is little weird.