A Game-Changer

“Playing softball at Carthage is the best decision I ever made. Because of my experience at Carthage, I knew that I wanted to become a softball coach. My entire coaching career in college athletics was catapulted by my experience at Carthage. Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for the experiences I had as a Carthage softball player.” – Meghan Roman ’11

On a campus that boasts some of the best NCAA Division III facilities, the Carthage Softball Field has not kept pace with other facilities. This hardship, faced by the softball team year after year (as well as by the fans who attend the games), must change for the program to thrive and flourish in the coming years. The inability to recruit the best student-athletes, or even host conference tournaments, will continue to decline without improvements to the current facility.

When the Carthage Softball Field was constructed in 1998, it was hailed as a game-changer for the Carthage softball program since, from 1968 to 1998, the team was forced to play all home games at various local parks around Kenosha. Although the teams have seen much success in subsequent years — compiling winning records in 20 of Coach Amy Gillmore’s 24 seasons — the playing field has fallen below the standard, to the point of compromising player safety. It has earned a reputation as the worst facility in the region.

It’s time to launch a campaign to raise funds for much-needed improvements that will provide a new, best-in-class home for this winning athletic program. Once the field is constructed, the softball student-athlete experience will rise to the level of all Carthage sports programs. Recruiting and retaining the best softball players to Carthage will become easier, the on-field athlete experience will dramatically improve, and the fan experience will be elevated.

Demonstrating its commitment to women’s athletics and honoring Coach Gillmore’s 25th season, the College is moving ahead with these plans backed by significant starter funding: $1 million from Carthage and $250,000 from longtime supporters Glenn and Barbara Madrigrano. We are seeking support from friends of Carthage Athletics to raise the additional $500,000 needed to complete phase one of the renovation in time for the 2023 season.

Give to the softball field

 

Softball Field Redevelopment Project Naming Opportunities

The proposed new field will include new turf that will allow for practices and games in any weather; bullpens and batting cages; a new scoreboard and sound system; and upgraded dugouts and storage — all at a cost of $1.75 million.

Download the Softball Field Naming Opportunities guide

A rendition of the new softball field PHASE 1

  • Stadium: $300,000
  • Field: $250,000 (reserved)
  • Scoreboard: $100,000
  • Dugout (home): $50,000
  • Dugout (away): $50,000
  • Batting Cage and Bullpen (home): $25,000
  • Batting Cage and Bullpen (away): $25,000

FUTURE PHASES

  • Press Box Building: $250,000
  • Grandstands: $175,000
  • Entry Archway: $120,000
  • Plaza: $120,000

GENERAL LEVELS OF SUPPORT

  • Grand Slam: $25,000
  • Home Run: $10,000
  • Triple: $5,000
  • Double: $2,500

 

 

Contact Us

If you are interested in making a gift to one of the named spaces available for this project, or if you have additional questions, please contact Bridget Haggerty, Vice President for Advancement, at 262-551-6036 or bhaggerty1@carthage.edu.

Support the softball field