February 24, 2026 - Joaquin ISD celebrated the grand opening of their new softball facility on February 23, 2026, with a ribbon cutting event.
Coach Steven McCann, Women’s Athletic Director, welcomed all present and thanked everyone that has taken part in the new field.
“I'd like to welcome everyone today to this special occasion. This is something I honestly did not think would ever happen in my time here,” said McCann. “First, I'd like to thank a few people. Mr. [Ryan] Fuller, Superintendent of Joaquin ISD; Ms. Joel Bumback, Joaquin ISD Finance Director; Joaquin ISD School Board members, Jason Harvey, Brandon Neal, Jacob Kay, Titus Chambliss, Reid Nichols, Jacob Hutchins, and Krystal Rayburn.”
McCann thanked BOM Bank for donating to the scoreboard and Farmer’s State Bank for donating to the press box that will be built. He also thanked GLS, the architectural design company that came up with the facility, and Hellas Construction that built it.
“When I first got the call that this project was a possibility, the first thing that came to mind was, ‘well, it's about freaking time,’” said McCann. “No, seriously, then the doubt set in. I've been at Joaquin my whole life. I've been coaching here for 23 years. I wasn't sure how that was going to happen. But I'm telling y'all, with Mr. Fuller's vision and Ms. Joel's keen eye for budgeting, the idea that started, it started to take shape.”
McCann said that they met with the architects and began the process of designing the facility, which has now come to fruition. McCann reminisced on the countless individuals that poured their hearts and souls into the program over the years, some of which were present and others who have passed on.
“I wish I had time to name all of you people and had time to name all the ones who have pushed and helped this program over the years. This is truly a proud moment for me and hopefully for this community,” said McCann. “This field represents more than just softball. It represents a vision for this community that was laid out years before I was even doing it. I just hope the memories that were made up on that field, on that hill, can compare it to the memories that we're going to try to make right here. I hope we make the same kind of memories. That hill right there has been good to us for a long time.”
Before the ceremony McCann announced that every lady present that played for the facility, that's currently playing for the facility and will be playing had a balloon.
Jason Harvey, Joaquin ISD Board President, then cut the ribbon and all of the balloons were released.
