Methodist University recently celebrated its new, state-of-the-art Price Fieldhouse for the softball team with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 19. 

The celebration of the facility is another milestone in the successful history of Methodist University's softball program, which has won eight USA South championships and six NCAA Division III national tournament appearances. 

The primary donors for the new facility, Don and Karen Price, were honored before the game. Other contributors to the facility included their son, Tim Price, their daughter Kim and her husband Mark Fischer,, and the Methodist University Board of Trustees Member Jay Wyatt. 

"We are so pleased to have the opportunity to publicly thank and recognize Don and Karen Price and the entire Price family for the generous gift that made our softball fieldhouse possible," said Dr. Stanley T. Wearden, President at Methodist University. "This will serve our student-athletes now and for decades to come. Their naming gift is transformative in the lives and education of our softball players."

The new facility includes two batting and pitching lanes on artificial turf inside, a lobby, offices, and individual player cubbies for bats and other equipment. The fieldhouse is located just a few yards away from the softball field. 

"The feeling on our team is one of pure excitement about this facility," said McKenzie Lanphear, a sophomore infielder for the Monarchs. "When we found out about this building in the summer, everybody's jaw just dropped. We're so thankful that we've been given this opportunity to be able to hit, pitch, and train together regardless of the weather. Not every program has an indoor facility, let alone a facility that is this nice, so it's definitely a blessing we have it here at Methodist." 

The Price family has led the way in supporting students at Methodist University through various projects that add to the legacy and commitment to the university and the surrounding community. 

"This new building and others set us apart from others in our conference and in our area," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Eavenson. "We thank everyone who has donated to make this state-of-the-art facility a reality. It will serve our students well for many years to come and help continue the tradition of excellence for Methodist University Athletics."