FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO—The University of Montevallo has announced that it will add an intercollegiate softball team to its athletics offerings for the first time in the school’s history. A vote today by the University of Montevallo Board of Trustees to approve UM’s share of facility funding cleared the way for softball to become the eighth women’s sport and the 13th intercollegiate athletic team at the University.

The team will practice and compete at the softball fields in the city of Montevallo’s Orr Park, which will be renovated to meet NCAA standards. The improvements will be made using funds from the University, Shelby County, and the Montevallo Development Cooperative District (MDCD), a three-member entity comprised of directors from the City of Montevallo, Shelby County and the University of Montevallo.

UM President John W. Stewart III stated, “Student-athletes at Montevallo enjoy a meaningful collegiate athletic experience highlighted by academic success, and softball will be an important addition to our athletics program.”

The team will begin its inaugural season in February 2015 and will be immediately eligible to participate in Peach Belt Conference and NCAA Division II Championship competition.