University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Athletics Announces Major Facility Upgrades for Lady Vols Softball
March 06, 2024 | Softball
Tennessee Athletics has announced the first phase of major facility upgrades coming for the Lady Vols Softball program in the form of a redesigned and expanded team clubhouse and adding coaches' offices and other team support areas.
This phase of the project budget totals $5.7 million. This project will be funded by donors who have philanthropically supported via the Shareholders Society. Richard and Melba Jackson committed a leadership-level gift to kickoff the fundraising.Â
In addition, Ralph and Karen Weekly, the first family of Tennessee softball, are leading by example as they have committed a major gift to the renovations via the Shareholders Society. Thus far, seven donors and families have made major gift commitments to this transformational project.
Along with the coming renovation of Tennessee's clubhouse, Sherri Parker Lee Stadium has also seen enhancements fans can enjoy this season. The facility upgrades include a new right-field stand with chair-back seating and the addition of two outfield porches – along with new standing-room vantage points in left and right field.
"Our softball program continues to be one of the nation's elite under Karen's leadership," said Danny White, Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics. "The facility expansion and enhancements are a part of our continued vision of investing in and providing our programs with the resources to compete for championships."
The project's core mission is to upgrade the student-athlete experience and improve the efficiencies of their day-to-day routines with a fully renovated team clubhouse comprising over 10,000 square feet dedicated to team activities. When completed, the team room will include a gaming lounge, nutrition station, space for team meals and a rest and recovery area.Â
The clubhouse will also receive an improved athletic training suite, including a dedicated injury prevention and rehabilitation space and hydrotherapy units, and an upgraded multipurpose film and academic study space. The team locker room will also be fully redesigned, including installing state-of-the-art lockers for the Lady Vols. The addition of a coaching staff suite and other program support areas will be coupled with the improvements to the team spaces.Â
"Sherri Parker Lee Stadium has long been one of the finest softball facilities in the country," head coach Karen Weekly said. "Our administration is committed to being the best, and the upcoming clubhouse renovation and addition along with upgrades to student-athlete training and development spaces will allow us to continue to recruit and develop the very best softball student-athletes. I'm grateful to Danny White and all who support Lady Vol softball for their shared vision of excellence."Â
Now in her 23rd year on Rocky Top, head coach Karen Weekly has guided the Lady Vols to 1,055Â wins, five SEC titles, 19 Regional appearances, 12 Super Regionals, and eight Women's College World Series trips.
