Marietta College will dedicate its newly renovated softball field as Jeanne Arbuckle Field during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, as part of the College’s annual Softball Community Day. The ribbon-cutting, in partnership with the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, is a meaningful moment to reconnect, reflect on shared history, and honor a legacy that continues to shape the program today.
The event honors Hall of Fame Coach Jeanne Arbuckle’s legacy and marks a major step forward for Marietta College Softball, bringing together alumni, current players, coaches, friends of the College and community members. A doubleheader against Baldwin Wallace University will follow the ceremony with first pitch at 1 p.m.
Arbuckle led the program from 1988 to 2018, building a culture that shaped Marietta Softball for more than three decades. She recorded more than 570 career victories, guided the Pioneers to the 1996 Ohio Athletic Conference Championship, and led the program to its first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance — the first NCAA postseason berth for a women’s team in Marietta College history.
Her 2007 team set a program record with 34 wins and returned to the NCAA Tournament. In 2015, Arbuckle became the third coach in OAC history to reach 500 career victories. Throughout her career, she mentored 37 All-Region and 76 All-OAC student-athletes.
Arbuckle’s impact extended beyond wins, establishing a program rooted in academics, athletics and lasting relationships that continue to define the student-athlete experience today.
"Jeanne was truly a pioneering softball coach and a beacon for women's athletics. Much of what she accomplished were 'firsts' for Marietta women's sports; she built the program’s foundation on which our women stand today,” said Larry Hiser, Marietta College athletic director. “Jeanne Arbuckle Field is a testament to her whole persona. She was respected by faculty and administrative colleagues for her integrity, supportive guidance, and wisdom, and was a trusted advisor to all kinds of students — male or female, athlete or non-athlete. She provided hope and inspiration by showing students there was a way forward, even when they didn’t believe it themselves.”
The dedication highlights the major transformation of the softball complex, designed to elevate the experience for current and future Pioneers. The renovated facility includes a state-of-the-art playing surface, new fencing and backstop, expanded bullpens and a new scoreboard. Ongoing enhancements include lighting improvements and raised spectator seating.
Made possible through a generous lead investment from Trustee Joe Chlapaty H'10, P'97 and his wife, Linda, the transformation positions Marietta College as a premier program for Division III softball. Beyond competition, the upgraded facility is expected to better support high school and collegiate tournaments and camps, expanding opportunities for increased regional engagement. Dedicating the field in Arbuckle’s name ensures her impact remains visible, connecting generations of Pioneers through a shared standard of excellence.
“This three-phase transformation project is going to elevate the experience for our student-athletes in a big way, allowing them to play at a top stadium in the Midwest,” said Jenn Castle, head softball coach. “It’s hard to come by a Division III institution that has the amenities our players will access. For future student-athletes, the FieldTurf surface provides a consistent playing experience that translates well for those coming from natural grass fields. The turf alone has already made a difference — we don’t have to worry about weather issues or delays, so we are able to be more flexible with practice and game schedules. With lighting enhancements coming, we’ll be able to better accommodate the needs of our current and future student-athletes, working around their classes and daily schedules.”
Softball Community Day festivities will begin at noon, leading into the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about Marietta College Softball, visit pioneers.marietta.edu/sports/softball.