Completed Event: Softball at App State on April 18, 2026 , Win , 9, to, 3
SB
Final
James Madison
9
at App State
3
James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
JMU Receives State-of-the-Art Playing Surface
11/11/2014 10:00:00 AM | Softball
HARRISONBURG, Va. – Spectators will notice a big difference at Veterans Memorial Park this spring when the James Madison softball team steps foot on its brand-new playing surface, which features Desso synthetic turf, Hilltopper infield dirt and a new drainage system.
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"It speaks of the administration's commitment to our sport and our program," Head Coach Mickey Dean said. "When you go out and win, that's one thing, but to have the commitment from the administration, it takes your program to a different level. We look forward to all the challenges that brings because that's what we want. We want to be a top-25 program year in and year out, not just a vote here or there."
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The outfield and foul territory is now made up of Desso iDNA X-series synthetic turf with a draining system underneath to minimize water on the playing surface, very similar to the playing conditions the Dukes play on when traveling to NCAA regional sites.
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The Hilltopper infield dirt is polymer coated to replace moisture cohesion, thus repelling water off the infield and into the turf to drain. The dirt does not freeze, allowing for early season play during winter months. These advances to Veterans Memorial Park allow JMU to have year-round access and requires minimal maintenance, as well as a reduction in competitions missed due to inclement weather.
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"Coach Dean and his staff have done an outstanding job the last two years and have high expectations for the program going forward, so it is fitting to have a first-class facility to practice and compete in," Ty Phillips, Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities & Events said. "We are excited to showcase this facility and are so thankful to athletics and the JMU administration for their support."
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In addition, the batting cage and bullpen areas were also revamped during construction and are not only more spacious but provides student-athletes with improved player safety when hitting and throwing in the areas. Prior to the start of the season, padding will also be installed around the playing field.
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"When a recruit comes on campus, the first things they notice are our athletic facilities and this is going to escalate our program, not just in the region but nationally," Dean said. "When you take our complete package for someone playing softball and the way our layout is here, you can't go anywhere else in the country and get the same layout, regardless of what conference you go to. Even before we put the new surface down, we had one of the nicest facilities in the country. Now, we can say we probably have the nicest facility."
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The Dukes are coming off a 45-15 season in 2014 which saw them capture the Colonial Athletic Association regular-season and tournament championships and advance to the Lexington Regional in the NCAA Tournament where they went 1-2. Since taking over the program in 2013, Dean and his staff have led the Dukes to 87 wins and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
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Madison's 2015 schedule, which is set to begin in the middle of February, will be released in December on JMUSports.com.Â
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"It speaks of the administration's commitment to our sport and our program," Head Coach Mickey Dean said. "When you go out and win, that's one thing, but to have the commitment from the administration, it takes your program to a different level. We look forward to all the challenges that brings because that's what we want. We want to be a top-25 program year in and year out, not just a vote here or there."
Â
The outfield and foul territory is now made up of Desso iDNA X-series synthetic turf with a draining system underneath to minimize water on the playing surface, very similar to the playing conditions the Dukes play on when traveling to NCAA regional sites.
Â
The Hilltopper infield dirt is polymer coated to replace moisture cohesion, thus repelling water off the infield and into the turf to drain. The dirt does not freeze, allowing for early season play during winter months. These advances to Veterans Memorial Park allow JMU to have year-round access and requires minimal maintenance, as well as a reduction in competitions missed due to inclement weather.
Â
"Coach Dean and his staff have done an outstanding job the last two years and have high expectations for the program going forward, so it is fitting to have a first-class facility to practice and compete in," Ty Phillips, Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities & Events said. "We are excited to showcase this facility and are so thankful to athletics and the JMU administration for their support."
Â
In addition, the batting cage and bullpen areas were also revamped during construction and are not only more spacious but provides student-athletes with improved player safety when hitting and throwing in the areas. Prior to the start of the season, padding will also be installed around the playing field.
Â
"When a recruit comes on campus, the first things they notice are our athletic facilities and this is going to escalate our program, not just in the region but nationally," Dean said. "When you take our complete package for someone playing softball and the way our layout is here, you can't go anywhere else in the country and get the same layout, regardless of what conference you go to. Even before we put the new surface down, we had one of the nicest facilities in the country. Now, we can say we probably have the nicest facility."
Â
The Dukes are coming off a 45-15 season in 2014 which saw them capture the Colonial Athletic Association regular-season and tournament championships and advance to the Lexington Regional in the NCAA Tournament where they went 1-2. Since taking over the program in 2013, Dean and his staff have led the Dukes to 87 wins and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
Â
Madison's 2015 schedule, which is set to begin in the middle of February, will be released in December on JMUSports.com.Â
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