LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Eight programs were recognized as 2026 STADIONIC/NFCA Fields of the Year, the Association announced on Friday afternoon.
Earning recognition are John C. Funk Stadium (NCAA DI – California Baptist University), RCB Bank Sports Complex (NCAA DII – Rogers State University), Jason Bell Park at Taylor Field (NCAA DIII – East Texas Baptist University), Texas A&M-San Antonio Softball Field (NAIA – Texas A&M University-San Antonio), Community Bank Park/Gwen Magee Field (NJCAA – Jones College), College of San Mateo Softball Field (Cal JC – College of San Mateo), CCC Softball Field (NWAC – Clackamas Community College) and Panther Stadium (Washington Union High School(Calif.)).
Three programs – ETBU (2017), Jones (2021) and Washington Union (2019) – are being recognized for a second time.
This award, made possible by NFCA Official Sponsor STADIONIC, 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.
The winners were nominated by NFCA member coaches and selected by a panel of their peers on the NFCA Events Committee. They will be recognized on Dec. 12 during the NFCA Convention's annual Awards Brunch.
NCAA Division I – John C. Funk Stadium (California Baptist)
Head Coach: Brandon Telesco
Grounds Crew: Ed, Hugo, Mike, Goyo
Founded: 2007
Infield/Outfield: Dirt/Turf
Facility Features/Highlights: Field renovation was completed in 2022 with the installation of a new video scoreboard and the installation of artificial turf outfield. In September 2024, the new clubhouse project was completed with a modern locker room easily accessible to the field, including personal lockers, showers, athletic training facilities, refueling stations, multiple televisions, and custom lighting and signage in the first-floor locker room. Upstairs, each coach has a private office that overlooks the playing field, many with direct access to viewing balconies that overlook Funk Stadium.
NCAA Division II – RCB Bank Sports Complex (Rogers State)
Head Coach: Andrea Vaughan
Grounds Crew: none
Founded: 2004
Infield/Outfield: AstroTurf
Facility Features/Highlights: The RCB Bank Sports Complex features modern lighting, suspension netting, a turf bullpen, and spacious dugouts. In 2020, upgrades to the bullpens were finished, followed by the installation of suspension netting in 2022. Branded padding was added in 2023, and AstroTurf was installed in both the infield and outfield in 2024. Most recently, there was the addition of a 10,000-square foot indoor practice facility complete with cutting-edge batting cages and pitching areas, further emphasizes its commitment to athlete development. Has hosted a pair of Regionals and Super Regionals and the first-ever Rogers State Festival featuring five NCAA DII programs.
NCAA Division III – Jason Bell Park at Taylor Field (ETBU)
Head Coach: Janae Shirley
Grounds Crew: John Patterson, Domingo Gonzalez
Founded: 1998
Infield/Outfield: Turf
Facility Features/Highlights: Since 2017, a new 3,000-square-foot clubhouse (2018) and scoreboard (2020) were installed, and in 2023 Jason Bell Park was dedicated with a new seating area, press box and suites. Press box includes two radio booths and suites. The seating upgrade featured chairbacks to go along with the brick structure, concession stand and two restrooms. Clubhouse includes locker room, offices, study areas, awards exhibit and Nike display.
NAIA – Texas A&M-San Antonio Softball Field (Texas A&M-San Antonio)
Head Coach: Nicole Dame
Grounds Crew: Sports Field Solutions
Founded: 2026
Infield/Outfield: Turf
Facility Features/Highlights: New facility that seats 350 with the flexibility to expand to 500. Features an eight-foot Diamond Wall outfield fence with unique panel design to help reduce injuries, double bullpens on both sides, oversized batting cages, the turfed area behind home dugout. The dugouts include dedicated helmet and bat racks, and individual storage and hooks for more than 26 players. Will host the 2027 Red River Athletic Conference tournament.
NJCAA – Community Bank Park/Gwen Magee Field (Jones)
Head Coach: Tori Dew
Grounds Crew: Chris Archie, Caleb Overland
Founded: 2011
Infield/Outfield: Infield clay, Turface Diamond Mix / hybrid 419 Bermuda grass outfield
Facility Features/Highlights: The park is regarded as one of the premier softball facilities in Mississippi junior college and senior college ranks. Seats 266 (chairback)
Cal JC – College of San Mateo Softball Field (San Mateo)
Head Coach: Nicole Quigley-Borg
Grounds Crew: Justin Eichner
Founded: 2007
Infield/Outfield: Turf / Dirt pitching circle
Facility Features/Highlights: A beautiful and well-maintained facility that has hosted 10 NorCal regionals. Built on a hill, it has a stunning view of the entire Peninsula Bay area. Over the last few years, the addition of below-field-level dugouts, batting cages and a team house.
NWAC – CCC Softball Field (Clackamas CC)
Head Coach: Jessica Buel
Grounds Crew: CCC coaching staff
Founded: 1986
Infield/Outfield: Turf
Facility Features/Highlights: Brand-new field for 2026, which included bullpens, dugouts, backstop netting, fencing around field, bleachers and press box. A view of Mt. Hood in right field.
High School – Panther Stadium (Washington Union HS)
Head Coach: Tori Hildebrandt
Grounds Crew: John Dinnish
Founded: 2020
Infield/Outfield: 60% sand, 30% clay, 10% silt / Hybrid Bermuda, Annual Rye Overseed
Facility Features/Highlights: New in 2026 was a laser-leveling and new top dressing added to the infield, air conditioned field house outside of left field and a Hudl camera on the press box. Hosts annual WUHS Spring (varsity) and Panther (junior varsity) Classics and welcomed the U.S. Softball Academy Camp in 2026.
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STADIONIC/NFCA Softball Field of the Year Award
