The new and improved softball complex at Elkhorn High is sure to be a hit this season. Renovations on the softball fields started mid spring, and finished just in time before the start of the 2024 softball season. The field is now half turf half grass, and has brand new bathrooms and concession stands as well. 

“It’s really nice, you don’t get as dirty or anything. But I’m a firm believer in if you’re playing softball, you might as well have dirt because it’s the whole point,” senior Reese Turman said.

Turman, a utility player for the softball team, says that the new field is very nice, with the added benefit of not getting nearly as dirty, but she always will cherish the good old dirt fields. Turman is excited to be back on the field because she says 6 months without a field is a long time.

However, maintenance wise, the new field is greatly appreciated. No more marking fields, putting in the bases everyday, or dragging the field after every game. It’s already done! 

“We don’t have to put in the bases every day, and we do have to rake certain spots of the field because the turf gets put together, but we don’t have to rake the whole field in between games,” Turman said.

Haley Vanwagoner, a sophomore and second baseman says that Elkhorn High’s new complex is very appealing to the eye and looks much nicer than what they had before. The district invested in lots of new equipment and facilities.

“Softball got bull pins for pitchers and catchers, turf, new dugouts and benches, new concession stands, new bathrooms, a water bottle filler, and a higher fence,” Vanwagoner said.

Tim Peterson, the assistant varsity girls softball coach, says that the new turf takes time getting used to, but everyone feels lucky that they get to call it their home field.

“I think it’s a really beautiful field,” Peterson said. “And we’re definitely lucky that we got those upgrades.”