EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Thursday was a monumental day for the University of Evansville softball program with the unveiling of the Trena K. Roedel Hitting Facility along with a renovated locker room that puts the Purple Aces' facilities among the top at the NCAA's Mid-Major level.
 
"What a special day for Aces softball. The goal from day 1 has been to bring elite facilities and resources to our softball players, and with the help and support of so many, especially Trena, we have taken a huge step in the right direction," UE head softball coach Bailey Dillender said. "Our ability to prioritize player development in the most opportune times during the year has now been elevated. I can't wait to see how the Hitting Facility pushes us forward in the years to come."
   
"In the ever-changing landscape of college athletics and the continued investment in our sport across the country it's imperative to me that we are always working towards the next improvement," Dillender continued. "I am most excited for our student athletes to have multiple spaces to call their own, and to be proud of what those spaces look like. It's a great time be a part of Aces softball."
 
The dedication of the newest facilities for the UE softball program took place outside the Trena K. Roedel Hitting Facility, which is adjacent to right field at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium. Through the generosity of a group of supporters led by Trena Roedel, the UE softball program took major steps forward in its quest to be at the top of the Missouri Valley Conference.
 
"Trena Roedel's legacy at the University of Evansville will extend far beyond her extraordinary generosity. Through the financial resources she provides, the time she gives, and the genuine care she shows, Trena has created opportunities that will shape the lives of UE women student-athletes for generations to come," UE Vice President for Athletics Dr. Ziggy Siegfried exclaimed. "She is a true difference-maker, and her lasting impact will be felt not only by the women competing today, but by every young woman who has the opportunity to proudly represent the Purple Aces in the future."
 
Roedel is an alum of the Purple Aces softball program and has been a lifelong advocate for women's sports. Following a record-setting career at North High School, Roedel was a State Championship player for the Evansville Comets. She has been committed to creating opportunities and resources for future female student-athletes and Thursday's announcement is a testament to her efforts.
 
"Softball was a very important part of my life for many years. I wanted to be able to provide the new coaching staff with the tools necessary to recruit the best players by offering top notch facilities and learning tools," Roedel said. "I believe the new clubhouse, totally renovated locker room and the brand-new indoor batting facility will do a lot to achieve those goals."
 
"When Coach Dillender joined the program, we had a one-on-one lunch with the goal of getting to know each other and discussing our visions for the softball program. We quickly realized that our visions were the same," Roedel continued. "It is exciting to see those visions become a reality as this staff is setting a strong foundation for the future of the program."
 
The addition of the on-campus hitting facility gives UE the ONLY one of its kind in the Missouri Valley Conference that is dedicated to softball. Student-athletes can access the facility at any time. With the building having HVAC, this will be especially beneficial in the weeks leading up to the season.
 
Trena K. Roedel Hitting Facility Amenities

• Two 60-foot hitting tunnels
• 14-foot ceilings
• Brand new state-of-the-art, SpinBall Machine
• LED lighting
• HVAC

 
Along with the hitting facility, the program has added a renovated locker room just feet away from Cooper Stadium. The space provides numerous additions that student-athletes will be able to use daily.
 
Trena K. Roedel Locker Room Highlights

• Custom wood lockers
• Updated Aces branding
• Custom Name Plates 
• Top of locker storage for personal items
• Shoe storage underneath
• Ample hanging space for apparel
• LED lighting
• Custom locker cushions 

 
Deputy Athletics Director for Internal Operations and softball sport administrator Sarah Solinsky recognizes the value of the facilities and how they elevate the program to a new level.
 
"We strive to be the preeminent mid-major softball program in the Midwest and these facility improvements are a critical step in achieving this," Solinsky explained. "We are grateful for Trena Roedel's generous support and her belief in our vision."