When Marietta College takes the field for its home opener on Saturday, it will mark the start of a new era for Pioneer Softball. A total renovation of Marietta Field over the summer is the first step of a three-phase project that will give Marietta College one of the finest softball facilities in the Midwest.
The installation of a state-of-the-art FieldTurf TripleThreat playing surface was completed in the fall. The first turf system designed specifically for softball, Marietta’s new playing surface is built for durability, safety, and playability, while providing consistent play across the entire field.
In addition to the playing surface, the first phase included expanded bullpens, new fencing and backstop, and upgraded branding throughout the facility.
“With the exception of the dugouts, which are getting a fresh coat of paint, the entire facility is brand new,” Marietta Head Softball Coach Jenn Castle said. “We have already experienced the benefits of the turf by being able to get outside on days we would have never been able to get on the field in the past. And when the lights are installed, we will be able to work around the player’s class schedules much better than we can now. This is a game-changing time for our program.”
The transformation of the softball complex has been made possible largely through an extraordinary lead investment from Trustee
Joe Chlapaty H’10, P’97 and his wife, Linda, whose collective commitment of more than $1.5 million spans all three phases of the project.
The second phase of the project includes the installation of a new Daktronics scoreboard, which was recently completed, along with a Musco LED lighting system that will be installed this summer. The final part of the overall project includes raised spectator seating that will run from dugout to dugout and a press box that will be completed in the fall ahead of the 2027 season.
The Chlapatys’ support has funded the vast majority of the enhancements, and their leadership has helped create a premier facility for our student-athletes while also inspiring additional donor support from those who believe in the future of Marietta softball, expanding opportunities for camps, tournaments, and broader community engagement.
“Joe and Linda’s extraordinary generosity has truly made this project possible," said Bethany McFarland Leslie '12, Vice President for Advancement. "Their investment reflects a deep belief in our student-athletes and in providing facilities that match their talent and dedication. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and the example they set for others.”
With all the changes to the facility, the College felt it was time for one more … a new name. Marietta Field has transformed into Jeanne Arbuckle Field. Named after the Pioneers’ Hall of Fame former head coach, the facility will be officially dedicated on April 18 as part of the annual Softball Community Day.
Hired in 1988 and retiring after the 2018 season, Coach Arbuckle built a championship culture that defined Marietta softball for three decades. She won more than 570 games, guided the Pioneers to the 1996 OAC Championship and the program's first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance, the first NCAA postseason berth for any women's team in MC history. Her 2007 team set a program record with 34 wins. In 2015, she became just the third coach in OAC history to reach 500 career victories, and she mentored 37 All-Region and 76 All-OAC student-athletes along the way.