Mondo Flooring helps University of Cincinnati realize its vision
(Sponsored) The University of Cincinnati cut the ribbon on its new Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility and Performance Center in June 2025. The $134-million, 210,000-square-foot complex features 22,000 square feet of Mondo Valor S flooring in its Athletics Performance Center, home to the Bearcats’ strength training and conditioning.
According to Niko Palazeti, Director of Football Sports Performance, the mission behind the venue was clear: “We wanted a space that authentically represents Cincinnati — and that gives our athletes, especially in football, every opportunity to thrive. This facility is a reflection of everything we do, from how we recruit, train, and coach, to how we build our culture.”
High-Performance Flooring
The Mondo Valor S flooring played a central role in bringing that vision to life. “Flooring is the literal foundation of how we operate,” Palazeti said. “It affects everything — how the room functions, how it feels, how it performs.”With that in mind, the Division I school’s athletics staff prioritized installing high-performance flooring — maximizing athletes’ performance, withstanding the rigors of high-level training and enhancing athlete safety.
“We needed something joint-friendly, durable, and textured just right — not too slick, and not too stiff,” Palazeti explained. “Mondo Valor S is built for high-intensity training. It provides the firmness athletes need to apply force without unwanted give, while still offering support and joint protection. Even during demanding training sessions when athletes are sweating, Mondo Valor S holds its grip — there’s no slipping and no instability. Our athletes have a secure footing that allows them to generate maximum power in every movement, from strength training to explosive lifts.”
Custom Inlaid Platforms
All 28 custom inlaid platforms in the weight room feature Cincinnati’s C-paw logo in the university’s bold color palette — details Palazeti says make a desired visual statement. “Aesthetically, the Mondo Valor S flooring brings the entire space to life. It’s clean, bold and unmistakably Cincinnati, with every C-paw inlay reinforcing who we are and what we represent. It pops in all the right ways and reflects the pride we have in our program.”
The People Behind the Product
To Palazeti, when deciding which surface to install in the Performance Center, the people behind the flooring were just as important as the product itself. “I wanted to partner with someone who would take as much pride in this facility as I do,” he said. “One of the biggest reasons we chose the Mondo flooring was because of the team behind it — Mondo and Kiefer USA. They stood behind the product and stood with us. From day one, they ensured everything was done right and that we had the best product, the best color, and the best installer. I couldn’t be more pleased.”
A Cultural Reflection
Ultimately, the Mondo Valor S flooring reflects the culture Palazeti and his team aim to instill. “Having the Mondo Valor S flooring is a statement,” he said. “It’s about holding a high standard in everything we do—and it’s the surface where our performance, culture and pride meet.”
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