Athletics University Accolades Scholarships and Awards

Belhaven University’s Jim McLeod Field Named Softball Field of the Year

  • David Sprayberry
  • 24 October 2024

October 24, 2024 (Louisville, Ky.) - Jim McLeod Field, home of the nationally-ranked Belhaven Softball program, has been named the Netting Professionals Division III Softball Field of the Year as announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Tuesday.

McLeod Field underwent multi-million dollar renovations ahead of the 2024 season which showcased significant investment in the Belhaven Softball program which has established itself as an elite program nationally.

"We are excited to have a facility to match the excellence and elite status of our softball program", said Belhaven Director of Athletics Scott Little. "It is exactly what our softball student-athletes and coaches have worked to build across the years. And to those who graciously give financially to make it all possible we are forever thankful."

Included in the multi-phase project was the installation of a custom turf field that features Belhaven logo marks, a newly padded outfield fence which features the championships and accomplishments of the Belhaven program.

Additionally, the playing facility encompasses renovated dugouts including fans and heaters in the Blazers' home dugout as well as an expanded bullpen. For fans, a newly laid concrete surface will offer more seating area around home plate and a bleacher section centered behind the plate.

The early phase of the project also included the addition of a new pressbox which will serve as a hub for the production of game broadcasts on the newly-installed multi-camera Playsight system.

"I am very thankful for our Belhaven administration's investment in athletics and our softball program", said Belhaven Head Coach Kevin Griffin. "We look at this facility as a reward for all of our hard work and status as a national contender for the past 15 years. It is a fan-friendly facility with numerous options to take in a game including a great hill out in left center field. Once we complete Phase Two of the project which includes the additions of a clubhouse and an indoor hitting facility, our facility will rival any Division III, Division II or mid-major Division I in the country."

The Blazers' first year in the newly-renovated Jim McLeod Field was a special one as the team made their deepest ever run in the NCAA postseason, finishing as the National Runner-Up at the Division III Women's College World Series.