Coming in clutch: Alumni donation brings long-awaited funding for Athens Softball program
By: Taylor Orcutt
The Athens Softball team finished their 2021 season with an impressive (25-6) record as sectional champions and TVC runner-up.
The Bulldogs won their D2 district championship title against Sheridan High School. This was the team’s first district championship title since 1989.
This winning streak came out of left field for much of the Athens community. The Bulldogs drew in the attention of fans from across the county and Athens Softball alumni Krin Goodwin Hupp.
After hearing the team’s victory, Hupp met with Head Coach Roger Bissell. With a vision in mind, Hupp generously donated funds to the Athens Softball program to build a batting cage and bull pen.
Her donation is funding infield maintenance and the purchase of a pitching machine, too.
These improvements were started in late Aug. 2021, and they are intended to be finished on opening day, Mar. 26, 2022.
The improvements have been long awaited for many of the players.
“I think these improvements were long overdue,” said senior player Mya Reese-Martin. “I can't speak for the entire team, but I think we're all very excited to see the changes happen right before us.”
The coaching staff is excited for these changes and their impact on the upcoming season.
“These improvements will put us at a level playing field with the other area schools,” said Bissell.
The changes being made make the future of the program look bright. Bissell said, “They should draw excitement to the Athens Softball program. These resources will help our players stay competitive for years to come.”
Reese-Martin felt the same, saying the improvements will, “overall encourage more young women to play softball and feel more pride representing each other this upcoming season.”
Athens Softball isn’t stopping here. Bissell expressed plans for a chain link fence to replace the wooden fence. He said there are plans to enlarge storage capacities and add backstop padding, too.
Now is a better time than ever to get involved with the program. Students interested in playing softball have opportunities to get involved with the Athens Softball program.
Students can participate in off-season strength and conditioning with Coach Jennifer Bennett in Reed Center on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p. m. or Fridays at 3 p. m.
Students can also participate in indoor batting practice in the McAfee Gymnasium on Sundays at 11 a. m. Tryouts will begin on Feb. 21, 2022.
Photo Credit: Jeff Hammonds
Bulldogs work tirelessly to spread 250 50-lb bags of field conditioner onto Athens infield.