Softball is coming to campus.
Trinity Valley Community College announced today that a $2.1 million softball facility, which will feature field turf and LED lighting, is to be constructed on college property to the west of the Fitness Center. A construction timeline is to be determined, but the hope is for the facility to be finished in time for most, if not all, of the 2026 spring season.
The Cardinals' first home game of the 2026 spring season is scheduled Feb. 7 vs. Butler Community College, though project may not be completed by that date.
TVCC trustees approved the project in June after receiving a $1.5 million
donation from the Cain Family Foundation. The on-campus facility cleared its final hurdle to become reality Monday night with a stamp of 5-0 approval by the City of Athens.
TVCC President Dr. Jason Morrison said the facility would be named Rip Drumgoole Field, as it has been at Cain Park since 2015.
"Bringing Rip Drumgoole Field to the Athens campus of Trinity Valley Community College is a powerful full-circle moment — honoring Rip's dream and lifelong passion for softball," Morrison said.
Drumgoole, who died at age 61 in October of 2011, served the college and its students in many capacities for more than 40 years, becoming Vice President of Student Services in 1980.
"This on-campus field will transform the landscape of Trinity Valley and elevate the college to the next level," Morrison said. "It's been an incredible journey, and I'm deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Cain Family Foundation, our board of trustees, the City of Athens, and the entire TVCC community for helping make this vision a reality.
"This is what sets us apart — a true Home of Champions mindset."
The facility will also feature areas to accommodate parking.
The Cardinal softball team is coming off the first 50-win season in school history after having won a second straight Region XIV Conference championship. The Cardinals also qualified for the NJCAA Softball World Series for a third time in program history.
"Having a turf facility on campus is a true difference-maker for our student-athletes, fans, and the entire community," Cardinal head softball coach Maria Winn-Ratliff said. "It enhances training and performance opportunities, builds school pride, and creates a home-field environment.
"This facility is more than a field — it's a hub for school spirit and connection. It's a place where fans, families, and future athletes can come together."
The softball program at the college began in the fall of 2008 with an exhibition schedule played through the 2009 spring season. The first NJCAA-sanctioned season was in the spring of 2010.
And now, it is about to enter a new era with the on-campus facility.
