OPSU Breaks Ground on New Softball Locker Room, Indoor Facilities

GOODWELL, Okla. — Oklahoma Panhandle State University Athletics held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday afternoon outside Jim Quimby Field to celebrate the construction of a new facility that will house the Aggies' softball locker room and more.
 
The facility, to be built on a foundation of cement already in place, will include heated indoor hitting cages and a permanent concession stand for use at both baseball and softball contests. Improved lighting and renovations will also be completed in the already-existing indoor baseball batting cages.
 
Head softball coach Jim Walker, head baseball coach Jared Mayeda, and Athletics Director Victor Esparza each spoke at the ceremony. They all emphasized their gratitude for the support received from the community, sponsors and the University, as well as the positive impact the facilities will have on current and future Aggie student-athletes.
 
"This (locker room and indoor facility) has been a big priority for AD Esparza and Shawn Joy since I got here, and this is a big step for the program," Walker said. "Any time you make this kind of investment upgrading facilities, it helps with recruiting and retaining the best players and gives us a chance to compete with some of the top teams in the country. We can't thank everyone enough for making this dream a reality."
 
Several OPSU softball athletes also shared their perspectives.
 
"Getting this new locker room means new beginnings and new opportunities," utility player Aracely Aragonez said as she also thanked the community for investing in the team.
 
"As a college softball player, having a locker room like this changes everything," infielder Summer Marron said. "It gives us a real home at the field – somewhere we can lift each other up and get ready to compete every day."
 
All-conference pitcher Marin Jacobs echoed Marron's thoughts and added to them.
 
"Having a locker room at the field is really exciting for our team. … It's awesome to see our program continuing to grow, and it's something that will benefit our team for years to come," Jacobs said.
 
Construction of the facility is scheduled to be complete in time for the 2027 season as OPSU demonstrates its commitment to the student-athlete experience and athletic success well into the future