The Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the naming of the new Pecos High School Natatorium in honor of late Coach Terri Morse, whose legendary leadership helped shape over 35 years' worth of Pecos and Lady Eagle swimmers and divers. The new facility will officially bear the name: the Coach Terri Morse Aquatic Center.
This naming comes almost one year after the untimely passing of Coach Morse in August of 2024. Under her leadership, the swim program flourished, earning regional and state-level recognition and producing generations of disciplined, resilient, and high-achieving student-athletes. Her impact reached far beyond the lanes of the pool, touching the lives of countless students, families, and fellow educators throughout the PBTISD community.
During the early phases of the Natatorium's design and development, Coach Morse played an active role in envisioning a facility that would meet the needs of current swimmers while honoring the legacy of those who came before. Her thoughtful contributions helped shape a space that reflects her high standards, competitive spirit, and passion for student success.
“Coach Morse’s legacy is one of excellence, selflessness, and commitment to athletes,” said PBTISD Athletic Director Mike Peters. “She built a culture where hard work was expected, character was developed, and every student felt like they belonged. It is only fitting that this new facility carry her name—a permanent reminder of her incredible influence on this district and community.”
In September 2024, PBTISD hosted a time capsule ceremony at the Natatorium site, placing over 70 swim program banners and trophies into a capsule to be buried at the facility. The event honored Coach Morse’s vision of a Natatorium “Built on Success” and served as a tribute to the enduring legacy she helped create.
“Terri Morse poured her heart into this program and into this community,” said Superintendent Brent Jaco. “By naming the new Natatorium in her honor, we are preserving a legacy that exemplifies what it means to lead with passion, to inspire young people, and to leave a place better than you found it. Her name will now greet every swimmer who walks through those doors—a powerful reminder that greatness is built through dedication, hard work, and love.”
Construction on the Coach Terri Morse Aquatic Center is expected to be completed by August 2026. Once open, the facility will serve as a training and competition space for PBTISD swim teams and a symbol of pride for the entire Pecos community.