Founded in 1885, French Camp Academy is a Christian boarding school in Mississippi with a rich 130-year history. Its athletic tradition is equally impressive, with more than 20 state championships in cross country and track, plus a football state title. 

Despite the winning legacy, the school had never had a dedicated fieldhouse—until recently.  

A Long-Awaited Dream

For Athletic Director Rusty McKnight—a 1984 graduate of French Camp and longtime coach, principal, and teacher—the project was deeply personal. “We have dreamed of this for years,” he shared. “We never imagined it would be as nice as it is.”


After five years of planning, the new fieldhouse has transformed the school’s athletic facilities—solving major space issues by giving athletes their own dedicated lockers and changing areas, rather than sharing with other teams in the gym. 

Beyond convenience, it has created a sense of ownership and pride among the students who now walk into a space designed specifically for them.

Bringing the Vision to Life

When it came to athletic lockers, French Camp chose GearGrid’s GridIron Team Lockers for their durability, ventilation, and standout design. “GearGrid immediately grabbed our attention with its unique look,” said McKnight. “They’re incredibly strong, no worries of denting or flexing, and the powder coat paint is there to stay.”

The equipment installation process was smooth, with French Camp assembling the lockers themselves. “We were surprised how easy it was—the parts were well organized when delivered,” McKnight noted. 

The result? A polished, functional, and impressive locker room that earns plenty of “wows” from visitors and athletes alike.

An Athletic Facility That Inspires 

For French Camp Academy, the new athletic fieldhouse is more than just a building—it stands as a symbol of growth, tradition, and pride—reflecting the school’s values of discipline, teamwork, and excellence, while also giving future athletes a facility that inspires them to keep striving for success. 

And as McKnight puts it, “If French Camp ever needs lockers again, GearGrid will be our first call.”

French Camp’s fieldhouse proves that the right storage solution can transform not just a space, but an entire program. GearGrid is proud to be part of this legacy and ready to help other schools turn their facility dreams into reality.