Softball | 9/24/2026 9:00:00 AM

September 23, 2026-In 2015 Emporia State was the first school in the MIAA to have an artificial turf infield for softball. Fast forward to 2026 and thanks to a lead gift from the Preston Family Charitable Fund, the entire field now sports a new state of the art FieldTurf playing surface from Tarkett Sports and will be known as Preston Field.
 
The installation reflects Emporia State's long-term approach to keeping the Trusler Sports Complex game-ready and visually aligned with the Hornet brand. The resurfacing is the second major upgrade by Emporia State in the last two months following the new Blackcreek Diesel Field at Welch Stadium.
 
"The completion of the turf field is a big accomplishment and improvement for our program," said Emporia State softball coach Megan Hill. "Our program has needed a facelift like this to continue being competitive in MIAA with the ability to bring in high level recruits."
 
Preliminary work on the turf began on September 4 and thanks to near ideal weather conditions for the installation by Tarkett Sports, the Hornets were able to take their first practice on the field on September 21.
 
"This generous gift from the Preston Family Charitable Fund will allow us to provide significant facility improvements for Hornet Softball," ESU Athletics Director Steve Rodecap said. "Our student-athletes represent our university with class and dignity, and they deserve the best we can provide for them. ESU Athletics is indeed grateful for the Preston Family's long-standing and inspirational support of the Black and Gold." 
 
William (1921­-2008) and Aloha Preston (1918-2009) were both alumni and faculty of ESU who were married for 63 years and developed a deep philanthropic legacy on the school's campus. William taught accounting, and Aloha taught physical education at ESU and the College of Emporia. She also was an avid supporter of athletics, especially women's sports.
 
The Preston Trust has provided over $1 million to the ESU Foundation, making $50,000 available annually for scholarships in accounting and women's athletics. Among its other numerous contributions to ESU, the Preston family has helped create the Preston Family Student Complex in Cremer Hall, bringing modern study and collaboration spaces to ESU's School of Business, and donated the scoreboards for baseball and softball at the Trusler Sports Complex.
 
"Our current players are excited to step foot on Preston Field daily for practice without inclement weather being a concern," said Hill. "We are extremely grateful for everyone who has been involved in making this project a reality!"
 
The Trusler Sports Complex plays an important role in the Emporia community. Turnbull Field is the home of the Emporia State baseball team.  Trusler was the host site of the 1996 NCAA Division II Softball World Series and has played host to NCAA Central Region Softball Tournament five times and the Central Region Baseball Tournament three times. The complex has also served as the host site for several KSHSAA baseball and softball state tournaments.
 
Transformational gifts from alumni and other supporters have helped launch the Trusler Renovation Project and move it closer to reality. Additional philanthropic support will be essential to bring the entire facility to full completion. A variety of naming opportunities and sponsorship levels are available, providing donors, families, and alumni an opportunity to make a direct impact on future generations of student-athletes and leave a lasting mark on Hornet Athletics.
 
If you are interested in being part of this exciting initiative, please contact Jason Santangelo, Director of Development for Athletics, at 620-341-6480 or jsantang@emporia.edu or Levi Ashmore, Assistant Director of Development for Athletics, 620-341-6488 or lashmore@emporia.edu for more information.