Oct. 17, 2017
San Jose, Calif. - San José State University has received one of the largest individual gifts to a Spartan women's athletics program in school history.
The gift of nearly $450,000 to the Spartans' softball program, made by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, is designated for the new Spartan Softball Stadium project now under construction. The project is located on the corner of 10th and Humboldt Streets and is part of an ongoing revitalization of SJSU's 62-acre South Campus.
Phase I of the new Spartan Softball Stadium project is slated to be completed by March, 1 2018. It includes the diamond, which is adjacent to batting cage facilities for softball and baseball.
"I'm excited for our program and our student-athletes," head coach Peter Turner said. "This generous gift helps to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a stadium that will make all Spartans proud. This is what our championship program has worked for and badly needs; however, we must continue to meet our financial objectives to fulfill all phases of this project and truly make it a 'state of the art' stadium."
In 2017, San José State softball won its first Mountain West Softball Championship, its second conference championship in the last five years, and won its first postseason game, a 3-0 victory over Cal State Fullerton in the Los Angeles Regional of the 2017 NCAA Softball Tournament.
"This significant gift is a key piece of our South Campus redevelopment," Director of Athletics Marie Tuite said. "This donor has been a steadfast, strong supporter of San José State athletics, and softball in particular. This gift will ensure the new softball stadium project continues on its path to a successful conclusion. We simply can't thank the donor enough for caring so deeply about our student-athletes."
The initial phase of the new Spartan Golf Complex and Spartan Soccer Complex already have been completed. Phase I of the Spartan Tennis Complex is scheduled to be completed by November 1.
"Private support such as this is essential to ensuring that San José State Athletics can compete for championships and equip its student-athletes for success in sports and in life," said Dr. Paul Lanning, Vice President for University Advancement. "We're excited by this gift, and look forward to continuing to raise funds needed to bring this project to completion."