It won't be long before the new softball team at The University of Memphis will call their new South Campus stadium home.
Construction of a new softball stadium will be completed in fall of 2006. Plans for the stadium will include locker rooms and is estimated to cost $1.3 million.
"We have never offered softball as one of our NCAA sanctioned sports and realize that this will be a major undertaking for the first few years," said University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson.
Johnson had kind words for coach Windy Thees and her role in shaping the team.
"We realize that building a program from the ground up is an exciting challenge and I think coach Thees is the right person to take on the responsibility, " Johnson said. "Her background and winning record as the head coach indicates that she is one of the top young coaches in the country and we are extremely excited to have her on staff at Memphis."
Thees has a lot of experience in coaching as she has been at Georgia College & State University, the Russian National Team and Lake City Community College. She was named Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year, South Atlantic Region Coach of the Year and Georgia Collegiate Coach of the Year.
Many Tiger fans can't wait to see the new addition of the softball field and plan to attend some games.
"I think it's about time Memphis got a softball team," said business major Chelsea Brewer. "I have always enjoyed this sport and am proud to welcome this team to my school."
U of M associate athletic director Lynn Parkes said the new stadium will be a symbol of pride for the U of M.
"We want to provide the athletes with a quality stadium they can be proud of and The University as well," Parkes said.
The softball team is not the only athletic program excited about the prospect of a new stadium. Plans to upgrade the existing Nat Buring baseball Stadium are also in discussion.
"It's critical to the baseball program for a new facility," Parkes said.
Baseball head coach Daron Schoenrock agreed.
"The need to improve the facilities is recognized and within the next few years recruiting can be accelerated with the new facility," Schoenrock said. "The opportunity to grow is exciting."
As of now, The U of M is unsure of the funding for the baseball stadium, but a committee is in place to look for donors for the new field.
