In recent years, Ransom Everglades restricted student access to the gym during most periods of the day, especially lunch, limiting opportunities to play basketball. This year, RE reversed that decision and reopened the gym, a change students say has been positively received.

Administrators reopened the space to allow students to use lunch periods for recreation and social interaction. The decision followed growing student interest after limited access last year led to increased participation and the creation of informal lunch leagues.

Upper School Athletics Director Scott Berman said the goal was to give students a healthy outlet during the school day. “I think it’s healthy for the student body to have space at lunch to have some fun and let some energy out,” Coach Berman said. “It’s great socially as kids are being active and not on devices.”

As access expanded, several groups of students began organizing games regardless of experience level. The lunchtime environment quickly became a consistent gathering space for students looking to stay active during the school day. For many, the games now serve as a predictable break between classes and a chance to reset before returning to academic work.

Depending on students’ workloads and the specific schedule surrounding lunch and AAA, the number of students that pile into the gym can approach 50, coming from all grades.

Students say the change has helped build a stronger sense of community around the sport. Many who do not regularly participate in athletics still attend games or spend time in the gym during lunch, turning the space into a shared social environment and something students look forward to each day.

Since reopening, students have continued to use the space daily, forming teams, organizing games and creating a consistent lunchtime routine that many say breaks up the pace of a busy school schedule.