Titan Softball Complex named NFCA Junior College Field of the Year

The Eastern Florida State College softball complex has been named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Junior College Field of the Year.

Titan Softball Complex is one of seven programs honored as 2022 Netting Professionals/NFCA Fields of the Year, the Association announced on Friday afternoon.

Earning recognition in 2022 are Bogle Park (University of Arkansas/DI), Gerry Pinkston Stadium (University of Central Oklahoma/DII), Tom & Betty Broyles Field at Townebank Park (Virginia Wesleyan University/DIII), Morgan Stadium at Tucker Field (Freed-Hardeman University/NAIA), Titan Softball Complex (Eastern Florida State College/NJCAA), Viking Field (West Valley College/Cal JC) and F&M Bank Stadium (Piedmont High School).

The Titan Softball Complex opened in 2016 and features wrapped netting that spans behind home plate and both dugouts, home & bullpens, an air-conditioned press box which is wired for television and livestreaming, a sound system, dugouts with electrical stations and bathrooms, along with a state-of-the-art clubhouse and locker room. 

"We are excited about our facility being named the top softball field in the NJCAA!" Eastern Florida State College Associate Vice President of Athletics Jeff Carr said. "All of the credit goes to Dr. James Richey and his vision for our facilities and the execution of building this facility and the constant upkeep of our softball complex."

This award, made possible by NFCA Official Sponsor Netting Professionals, recognizes top fields/stadiums in the nation for their flawless grounds maintenance and exceptional playing surfaces. These locations are selected by the NFCA Awards Committee for NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Cal JC, NWAC, and High School.

"I think being named the junior college Field of the Year is a huge honor not just for the softball program but the entire athletic department. It takes every single person to not only keep the facility up to our standards, but to keep improving it. We are fortunate to be able to now say we have the best facility in the country," Eastern Florida State College softball coach Shelby Petik said. "It's a privilege to play here but it is also a responsibility for the players and the staff because we take a lot of pride in taking care of our field. The players work on it every single day, the coaches work on it every single day and a lot of sweat and a lot of hours go into making this the best field in the country."

The winners were nominated by NFCA member coaches and selected by a panel of their peers on the NFCA Awards Committee. They will be recognized on Dec. 10 during the NFCA Convention's annual Awards Brunch.