McLean County Times

Illinois State Athletics has launched a fundraising campaign to rename the softball field at Marian Kneer Stadium in honor of Melinda Fischer. The "Melinda Fischer Field" fund aims to support various enhancements for the Redbird softball program, such as field improvements, locker room upgrades, and professional development opportunities for student-athletes.

Fischer's impact on the sport is still evident through her connections with former players, coaches, staff, and supporters. Donors to the campaign will pay tribute to her legacy by contributing to "The Melinda Fischer Field" fund. The department has set an initial goal of $100,000. Pat Johnson, a dedicated supporter of Redbird Softball, initiated the campaign with a $10,000 lead gift. Additionally, Eric and Maria Boerngen have pledged a $5,000 matching gift challenge for Redbird Softball alumni once 50 gifts of $100 or more are received from them.

With 1,159 career victories over 39 seasons as a collegiate head coach at Eastern Illinois (1979-1980) and Illinois State (1986-2022), Fischer ranks as the 18th winningest coach in NCAA Division I softball history. Her record at ISU stands at 1,118-842-4 (.569), making her the most successful head coach in Illinois State's history. She is one of only 28 head coaches in NCAA Division I softball with over 1,000 wins and at least ten years of experience.

Throughout her tenure leading the Illinois State softball program for 37 seasons, Fischer guided the Redbirds to national recognition. Her teams secured ten regular-season Missouri Valley Conference titles, two Gateway Conference regular-season championships, and five MVC Tournament titles.

All donations will contribute significantly to this naming project and help enhance the experience for Redbird Softball student-athletes. For further information about the project or to make a donation to "The Melinda Fischer Field" fund, interested parties can contact Nathaniel Smith via email at nwsmit2@ilstu.edu.

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App provide additional resources such as tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia content, merchandise photos and more.