The Belhaven softball program is not only being touted for the work it’s done but the field it’s done it on.
The Blazers, coming off their first Division III Women’s College World Series appearance in 2024, play home games at the newly renovated Jim McLeod Field in Jackson. Last week, the field was selected as the top venue in all of Division III softball, as announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
McLeod Field underwent multi-million-dollar renovations ahead of the most recent campaign, showcasing a significant investment by Belhaven into its softball program. Included in the updates were new dugouts with fans and heaters, an expanded bullpen, additional seating for fans with a bleacher section centered behind home plate, and a new press box.
“We are excited to have a facility to match the excellence and elite status of our softball program,” Belhaven Director of Athletics Scott Little said. “It is exactly what our softball student-athletes and coaches have worked to build across the years. And to those who graciously hive financially to make it all possible, we are forever thankful.”
Even with the recognition as the Netting Professionals Division III Softball Field of the Year, McLeod Field is set to undergo more renovations as the Blazers look to return to the College World Series in 2025 and beyond.
“We look at this facility as a reward for all of our hard work and stats as a national contender for the past 15 years,” Belhaven head coach Kevin Griffin said. “It is a fan-friendly facility with numerous options to take in a game including a great hill out in left-center field. Once we complete phase two of the project, which includes the additions of a clubhouse and an indoor hitting facility, our facility will rival any Division III, Division II, or mid-major Division I [school] in the country.”
The new season for Belhaven softball will begin in February. Last year, the Blazers made a historic postseason run before falling to East Texas Baptist in three games in the national championship series.
