There is a new age in the Iona College athletics department. The department has undergone a plethora of changes over the recent months and weeks. The list includes a new design to the gym, a new logo, a new brand, a new endorsement deal and a new mindset.

The new logo consists of simply the words Iona Athletics. There is a cross inside the “o” in Iona. This logo replaces the logo that read Iona College Gaels. The cross in the “o” connects the athletics program to Iona’s Gaelic heritage.

“It’s a strong brand; it’s a strong wordmark. It has an identification that is more resembling the Gael history,” Director of Athletics Rick Cole said. “As we continue to roll out the different marks and logos, it’s going to get fun. That’s going to match the theme that we want in our gym; it’s a fun, exciting, strong-natured athletics program.”

The new Iona logo can be seen at center court of the redesigned gym. The perimeter of the basketball court is outlined in maroon. On each baseline the words Hynes Center are printed. The ceiling was painted white, and the walls are now maroon.

“It seems like it’s more bold and stands out; especially the “Iona” emblem in the middle of the floor,” men’s basketball junior forward David Laury said. “I think that was the best addition.”

A new sound system was installed. There are now speakers outside the gym in the front corridor and in the front of the building.

All of the renovations to the gym were completed within a month. The first game in the gym took place on Sept. 25, when the volleyball team swept St. Francis (N.Y.) in three sets.

At basketball games, the teams’ benches will be in front of the student section.

“The new gym is a great new look,” women’s basketball redshirt senior guard Haley D’Angelo said. “It represents the togetherness of the Iona community and athletics.”

The athletics department is trying to promote unity among its 21 teams. All the teams will share the same shade of maroon and the same shade of gold. Furthermore, all of their apparel is sponsored by Adidas.

The athletics department is also trying to get the word out about itself by sending daily tweets highlighting athletes from different teams.

This feature is called “Meet the Gaels.” The idea behind this is to spark people’s interest to come to games.

The department has installed a program called “Gaels Games.” In this promotion, different clubs and organizations are enticed to attend the contests.

Cole stressed how the support of the administration was pivotal to the success of the new brand. He also acknowledged the impact the facilities department played in making the renovations so quickly.

The makeover is not complete. In the coming weeks, the new Gael logo will be released. Also, each team will get their own wordmark.

“This is the fun, exciting piece because it’s about building energy,” Cole said. “It’s an exciting time and a great time to be a Gael.”