USC Union Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for The Coop

On Tuesday, March 26, USC Union broke ground on The Coop, their new softball complex, formerly known as City Park.

"This is a happy day for Union, because we get to show that we are growing together," said County Supervisor Phillip Russell, addressing County and City council members, USC Union faculty and staff, and the Lady Bantams Softball Team. He noted that the field's historical significance as a former fairground, textile ball field, and home of the Union County High School Lady Jackets. City Administrator Joe Nichols called the field "another milestone for USC Union."

The university will renovate the space to include new dugouts with restrooms, a canteen, a two-story press box, and a restroom building. The Revels-Stokes field will be flipped 180 degrees so that home plate will be near the old basketball courts and will also be fitted with new turf and irrigation. The field will also feature landscaping with trees and shrubbery.

Annie Smith, Director of Development & Marketing, said, "Discussions to get to this point started around four years ago with EMS, city and county officials, Union Medical directors, and many others. This new stadium will beautify that area and have a lasting impact for campus and the community we proudly serve.  I can't express enough appreciation to everyone that has been involved to make this possible for the future of USC Union and our student athletes."

"The commission is proud to help bring this field to USC Union and the community," said Tim Svedlund, chair of the Union Laurens Commission for Higher Education. Athletic Director Zach Simmons thanked Russell, Nichols, the Commission, and County and City council for making this project possible. "This is massive for athletic department," he said. "It will help us continue to bring in talented recruits." He noted that Head Softball Coach Dr. William Royce had just signed his first international player.

"During my time in Union, I have witnessed first-hand the entire USC Union community grow in population and in its commitment to excellence," said Royce. "Today, as we turn of the dirt, we honor the hard work and dedication of all the stakeholders and members of this visionary administration and supporting commission." He stated that the new field would "immediately and positively" impact the way that the team plays, trains, and recruits. "We are so much more than this softball complex we are celebrating today," he said. "We are about all of us – our students, our staff, our teaching and learning and the commitment to taking USC Union to the next level."

The Coop will be complete by January 2025.