Early in October, Southern Virginia University announced the construction of a new softball diamond on one of the university’s three athletic fields.

Thanks to generous donations from Brett and Carol Harvey, whose daughters Natalie Harvey-Marquez and Trisha Harvey-Jones both played softball at Southern Virginia, and the tireless work of many university employees, phase one of the field’s construction is nearing completion.

“We’re so thankful to everyone responsible for creating this wonderful field in this beautiful setting,” said second-year head coach Duste Grawrock. “It means so much to our program to have a field of our own and it really creates a sense of ownership for our players.”

Since beginning construction in late August, Southern Virginia has completed the following features of the new softball diamond:

• Laser graded infield with premium blend playing surface
• Step-down pitching rubber and pro-style bases
• Home and opposing dugouts including adjoining press box
• 6 ft. permanent fencing surrounding entire playing area
• 20 ft. backstop surrounding home plate area

The inaugural game for the Knights’ new diamond is tentatively planned for Thursday, March 22, against Washington Adventist University at 1 p.m. EDT.

“As a former player, I can feel our alumni’s excitement about this new softball diamond,” said Grawrock. “Everyone is excited to come back and take part in this new chapter of our program’s history.”

(Post by Chris Pendleton ’08. Photos by Nathaniel Sidwell ’11.)