Hoover High Softball Players Hope Golf Fundraiser Gets Them Closer to New Stadium

What stands between the softball players and the completion of their new stadium?

About $100,000, is all.

Softball players and boosters know that's a pretty daunting figure, but they're prepared to work for it. The Hoover Softball Booster Club has a golf outing fundraiser scheduled for next month, and they hope they covers a big chunk of the stadium's cost, which is estimated at $200,000-$250,000.

The fundraiser takes place Oct. 13 at . Registration starts at noon and shot gun at 1 p.m. Cost is $75 per person for a four-person scramble. (See the attached flier for more details.)

"There’s a lot of following for the softball team because they do so well and we hope that just follows into financial support as well," said Debbie Lilley, vice president of the Hoover Softball Booster Club and mother of , a Hoover High junior and member of the softball team.

The team has won six state softball championships and is fresh off its second win in two seasons. Lilley said it's clear each athlete shows "100 percent devotion" and is more than deserving of a nicer field.

The team had been playing at the field at Price Park. The new location is across the street from Dogwood Park and adjacent to parking lots for .

"These kids all work at their game. They’re all good kids. They work, they practice all winter, they take lessons on their own," Lilley said. "Every single girl works at it and improves their game in the off season — every single one.”

Lilley said the athletes and booster club members understand it's often difficult for community members to spare money for fundraisers nowadays, but again, she said they're willing to work at it.

"We have a really nice following, and there is community support. We just have to dig a little deeper to find the dollars in the community."

She said community members will have another chance to donate toward the cause at a car wash from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 15 at .

And donations also can be made online for the North Canton Hoover Softball Stadium.