SRU renames softball field, plans renovations
SLIPPERY ROCK – Last Saturday marked a memorable moment for the Slippery Rock University softball program as the University officially renamed the softball field as "Kasnevich Field" in honor of former coach and SRU Hall of Famer Jan Kasnevich during a dedication ceremony on campus.
Slippery Rock softball supporters, members of Kasnevich's family, University administrators, Athletics administrators and the current SRU softball team and coaching staff attended the dedication.
"What a tremendous day for our softball program and for SRU as a whole," said Roberta Page, SRU director of athletics. "Having her name on one of our competition facilities is such a fitting way to celebrate the contribution that Jan Kasnevich made to Slippery Rock.
“I want to thank everyone that contributed to making this happen and to the University administration for their support."
Kasnevich, a 1968 SRU alumna, basically did it all during her 33 years at Slippery Rock. A stellar athlete in her own right, she was a four-year member of SRU's basketball, volleyball, tennis and field hockey teams during her undergraduate years and went on to become an assistant women's basketball coach, head softball coach, head field hockey coach and a professor upon returning to SRU as a professional.
SRU president William Behre attended the dedication and surprised the team and other supporters in attendance with the news that SRU has committed to significant renovations to the softball field, including the installation of artificial turf and new dugouts.
"Saturday was an amazing day for our program," said SRU coach Stacey Rice. "We are thrilled to be able to say we will be playing our games on Kasnevich Field and we are so grateful to the administration for committing to the facility upgrades. Our student-athletes will benefit from one of the best softball facilities in the region when the renovations are complete and we couldn't be more excited for the future."
The tentative plans for the field renovation will begin following the 2023 spring competition season. A timeline for the project will be announced at a later date.
