Softball Complex Dedication Set

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Image by Gary Holden

The new softball complex is dedicated to former Panther coach Vickie Van Kleeck.

Cody Gibson

Plans have been finalized to host a formal dedication ceremony for the Vickie Van Kleeck Softball Complex on campus.

The Panthers officials plan to hold the dedication tomorrow, Sat., March 25, to honor former Ferrum Head Softball Coach Vickie Van Kleeck, who served 24 years at the helm of the Panther softball program and 10 years as the College’s Senior Woman Administrator.

The facility features a brand new two-story pressbox building, which includes a team locker room and working press box, concession stand, coaches’ locker room, and restrooms. Seating will include chair backs and open-area concrete platforms between the building and the backstop.

Van Kleeck led the Panthers to USA South Athletic Conference regular season titles in 1994, 1995, and 2013. The Panthers also won USA South Tournament titles in 2002, 2005, and 2012 under Van Kleeck, making appearances in the NCAA Division III Softball Championships all three years.

As head coach at Mercer University prior to her arrival at Ferrum, Van Kleeck was the 1989 New South Athletic Conference Softball Coach of the Year. She also earned USA South Softball Coach of the Year honors in 2013 with the Panthers. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association honored her with its NFCA/Easton Victory Club 500-Win Milestone. Van Kleeck served on the NCAA Softball Rules Committee from 2008-13, the final two years as National Chair. She currently works for the NCAA as Softball Rules Editor.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. The Panthers will then play a home doubleheader against Old Dominion Athletic Conference rival Bridgewater College. The first pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.