Fairbanks softball players and coach thank Board of Education for new on‑campus field

Coach Stein and members of the Fairbanks softball program thanked the Board of Education on Tuesday for a new on‑campus softball facility, calling it an investment in students and community pride.

"On behalf of our coaches, players, parents, and future Lady Panthers, we wanna express our sincere gratitude for your commitment to providing the student athletes for this incredible new softball facility," Maddie, a Fairbanks student athlete, read to the board. She said the on‑campus location, turf surface and double batting cages let the team practice more consistently and feel more connected to the school.

The team described physical features that players and coaches value, including a turf playing surface, double batting cages, improved backstop netting and a home‑plate logo that "probably displays Fairbanks pride and reminds them who they represent every time they take the field," Maddie said. Coach Stein said volunteers helped install benches and other finishing touches ahead of a successful opening day that included a ceremonial first pitch and a large crowd.

Participants also discussed recent fundraising and planned donations. The team reported it had raised funds for a scoreboard upgrade and the backstop netting, and said the Eagles organization has pledged a special donation intended for a sound system. Coach Stein and the players said they hope to continue fundraising for a concession stand that could be shared with middle‑school events if schedules allow.

A board representative responding at the meeting said the district is pleased the field is on campus and described the facility as long overdue. The board then moved on to the next agenda item, a construction update.

The remarks were delivered during the superintendent's report portion of the agenda as a brief presentation by Coach Stein and student representatives; no formal policy or budget decision was recorded at this time.