SISLT HOME OF GIRLS SOFTBALL
“Something happens when girls play sports — they embody the experience of not just of winning, but the critical experience of losing. It’s that process of carrying on and clearing hurdles that really builds confidence. It’s an incredibly useful proving ground for business and leadership.” ~Claire Shipman, TV journalist and co-author of The Confidence Code.
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!!!
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (SISLT) has been saving for over a decade to fund a legacy major project that fulfills our mission to EMPOWER women and youth. SOROPTIMIST STADIUM: HOME OF GIRLS SOFTBALL will drive home the message that our girls deserve the facilities, equipment, training, and resources to succeed and thrive!
SISLT allocated $325,000 to renovate the dilapidated softball field at the South Tahoe Middle School and provide amenities commensurate with the adjacent boys’ baseball field, with the aim to provide Title IX gender parity for the girls’ teams. Upon completion of the facility upgrades, SISLT plans to support the girls through mentoring and ongoing support to create a vibrant and popular athletic program for girls and women.
Why SISLT Chose to Sponsor Softball
- Creates gender equality
- Provides a physical outlet to improve mental and emotional well-being that will also allow girls to perform better academically
- Teaches self-reliance in conjunction with collaboration to foster leadership skills applicable to any career
- Educates young women how to lose, yet persevere to build future successes
- Builds confidence to stay optimistic and believe in yourself and your team
- Provides a forum that instills discipline and responsible behavior
- Fosters mutually supportive long-term female relationships
- Prevents obesity and physical illness
- Offers opportunity to apply for softball college scholarships
SISLT’s donation does not cover all the needed upgrades and league support. We need you as a part of our team with your donation or sponsorship.
PHASE 1: $325K Renovations Funded and Administered by SISLT Members. Work began in SPRING 2020 and is Ongoing
Softball Field Pre- Renovation
Softball Field Partway Through Renovation
RENOVATION TO DATE
| TO COMPLETE
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“One of the most awesome things about sports, particularly team sports, is that everything you need to do to be successful on the playing field carries over directly into life. In a team sport you have to learn how to work together, to set goals, and then work towards those goals in a productive way. You learn to be responsible and you learn how to not only depend on others, but also be independent so you can support others.” Sheila Cornell- Douty
OLD BLEACHERS WERE LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT
Permanent enclosed dugouts to be built here and the field will be enclosed with fencing.
FENCING UPGRADES AND NEW BLEACHERS WITH SAFETY BACKING
“For companies and countries that are serious about wanting to advance more women into leadership roles, you can’t underestimate the role of sport in closing the gender gap,” Beth Brooke-Marciniak, Ernst Young Global Vice Chair for Public Policy.
“For companies and countries that are serious about wanting to advance more women into leadership roles, you can’t underestimate the role of sport in closing the gender gap,” NEW ELECTRONIC SCOREBOARD
Old scoreboard had a timer that had to be set before each game
CLOSED DUGOUTS WITH BENCHES
Division of State Architect approved plans in 2023 for construction. Building planned for summer.
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- Current Visitor Dugout
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- Current Home Dugout
💥 WE NEED A WARNING TRACK 💥
The warning track is a necessary safety feature to increase visibility and prevent injuries as players near the outer fence. The track will also prevent rodent damage with a perimeter barrier, and provide a smooth visible surface so that players are less likely to twist their ankles on the current uneven pitted field. Approximately 5,000 square feet of dirt will be excavated, removed, and replaced with a special red warning track mix.
DESIRED LOOK FOR OUTFIELD WITH WARNING TRACK AND FENCE COVERING.
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- Current Outfield Conditions
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- Need Urgent Upgrades
CURRENT OUTFIELD CONDITIONS: Rodent damage with likely potential for player injury. The current budget does not include the warning track. WE NEED DONATIONS AND SPONSORS!
——COMMUNITY PLAYERS—–
High Sierra Girls Softball League
South Tahoe Middle School PE classes
South Tahoe HS Girls Varsity and JV Softball
USA Girls’ Club Softball
USA Adult Softball (Co-ed and Men’s teams)
USA Sponsored Tournaments
We expect this field renovation to serve over 2,000 youth and adults in our community.
Additionally, there is potential for growth as the newer conditions will attract more participation in softball leagues and tournament play.
FUTURE PHASES CAN ONLY BE ACCOMPLISHED
WITH YOUR HELP!
Phase 2 Score Booth and Storage Building
Phase 2 would likely include the addition of a score booth and equipment storage building, for an estimated construction cost of $45K. Funds are not currently available for this construction, but softball practice and games can still occur without it on a usable field with better amenities. The costs for architectural drawings have been included in Phase 1, so that if other funding becomes available from SISLT or another organization, the project is ready to move forward without delay.
Phase 3 Concession Building and Additional Parking
Phase 3 would include upgrades such as a possible shared concession building (softball and baseball), restrooms, programable lighting for the softball field, and additional parking. The expense and scope of Phase 3 would require multiple partnerships to share in the planning and cost. The fundraising for future phases could entail partnerships with the City of South Lake Tahoe, High Sierra Softball League, the Lake Tahoe Unified School District, South Lake Babe Ruth Baseball, USA Club Softball and USA Co-Ed and Men’s Adult Softball Leagues, along with support from the community at large.
Softball is the perfect vehicle for empowering girls with self-reliance, confidence and a sense of belonging. According to CEO Magazine, “Sport offers so much more than just physical benefits. It keeps you mentally healthy, teaches basic social relationship skills, and forges commitment, determination and a competitive mindset.” Proficiency in the sport can lead to academic opportunities and college scholarships. Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe cares about the girls in this community and their healthy personal and physical development. Investment in our youth of today will yield dividends as these young women become community leaders of tomorrow.
