“This facility represents so much more than just a nice place to play,” says West Valley Softball Head Coach Vicky Piatt. “It shows young girls that they are worth investing in, and that they are believed in. It shows that their hard work has been recognized, and that they deserve the best our sport has to offer. We want this facility to be the catalyst that begins change for other colleges and their women’s sports facilities.”
Viking Field features home, visiting, and umpire locker rooms, spacious dugouts and bullpens, a state-of-the-art press box, sound system, and scoreboard, and a versatile batting facility and practice diamond. It has seating for 500 fans as well as large restrooms and picnicking and tailgate areas.
“We strive to be one of the premier athletic programs in the state and want to build championship caliber programs in the classroom, on the field of play, and in the community,” says John Vlahos, Dean and Athletics Director of Health, Human Development, and Athletics. “Having first class facilities is an important factor in reaching those goals and we are so grateful that our student athletes can utilize one of the finest softball complexes in the country to help develop their skills and prepare them for the future.”
And, West Valley College has been able to do that very thing—providing student athletes a strong educational foundation and support to excel in their chosen sport.
“As a former college athlete, I often reflect on the lessons taken from my playing career that transcend the baseball diamond,” says West Valley-Mission Community College District Chancellor Bradley Davis. “My experiences empowered me to make positive contributions to my community and the motivation to grow and succeed in college and later in life. When held in appropriate relationship to academics, athletics is a powerful learning tool that forges life lessons in its participants.”
Thanks to the dedicated team of coaches, counselors, and instructors, the goal to balance coursework and competition has become a reality at West Valley. So much so that the athletic teams have been able to achieve in the classroom and on the field. All teams were able to hold a cumulative 3.0 grade-point-average while putting in the time for their sport and four of West Valley’s teams have played for state championships this year alone. Additionally, student athletes continue to transfer to some of the best four-year institutions all over the county.
“The new softball complex represents the pinnacle of our commitment to women’s athletics. With the opening of this facility, the college and our community have stated unequivocally that we aren’t just supportive of Title IX, but that we are champions of Title IX. We hope that colleges all over the country follow our lead,” says Chancellor Davis.
A grand opening event for the field will be held on Thursday, March 17 at 2 p.m. All are welcome to a day of fun as to explore the new facilities, enjoy great food, and support the student athletes as the West Valley Vikings host the Chabot Gladiators at 3 p.m.
To learn more about West Valley College Athletics please visit athletics.westvalley.edu.