December 17, 2025
魅影直播 broke ground Tuesday, Dec. 16, on its new softball field at Labold Park. University leaders and coaches gathered to celebrate the project, which will provide 魅影直播 softball with its own home field and further establish Labold Park as a central venue for Shawnee State athletics.聽
"For too long we have practiced in borrowed spaces," said Kristen Bradshaw, head softball coach. "I'm more than excited to have an amazing facility to call our own 鈥 a place where our players can grow, compete and create memories. Our alumni laid the groundwork, and our current players carried it forward. This field is a thank you to everyone who came before and everyone who is here now 鈥 you all deserve this."聽
Construction will proceed in two phases. Phase one starts this month with site preparation and field construction. Phase two, starting in January, will add seating, dugouts and other amenities. Shawnee State expects the softball team to play its first home game on the new field in April.聽
鈥淭his moment means a lot to our program,鈥 Bradshaw said. 鈥淥ur student-athletes have worked hard to represent Shawnee State, and having a dedicated space where they can train, compete and welcome fans is something they鈥檝e earned.鈥澛
The broader vision for Labold Park includes hosting baseball, track and field and football. The new facility will become a central gathering place for the community, offering upgraded competition and training spaces for athletes and improved game-day amenities.聽
鈥淭his groundbreaking represents more than a new field 鈥 it reflects the momentum we鈥檙e building across our athletic programs,鈥 said Gerald Cadogan, director of athletics. 鈥淲e鈥檙e building facilities that match the level of talent and commitment our student-athletes bring every day, and this is another important step in that growth.鈥澛
The facility development also supports Shawnee State鈥檚 membership application to NCAA Division II and its entry into the Mountain East Conference. Pending NCAA approval, the university anticipates competing in the MEC in the 2026-27 academic year.