McLean County Times

Illinois State University has announced that the softball field at Marian Kneer Stadium will be named Melinda Fischer Field. The decision was approved by the Illinois State Board of Trustees on October 17, 2025, following a fundraising campaign supported by alumni, fans, and donors.

The "Melinda Fischer Field" fund will be used to support enhancements for the Redbird softball program. This includes potential improvements to the field, locker rooms, technology specific to the sport, and professional development opportunities for student-athletes.

Melinda Fischer retired in 2022 after a long career as head coach at Illinois State University. She is one of only 28 coaches in NCAA Division I softball history with over 1,000 wins and at least ten years of head coaching experience at this level. Over her 39 seasons as a collegiate head coach at both Eastern Illinois and Illinois State, Fischer accumulated 1,159 career victories. Her record at ISU stands at 1,118-842-4.

"I'm deeply honored and filled with tremendous gratitude and excitement, as this field naming represents everyone who has been a part of Redbird softball," Fischer said. "A heartfelt thank you to President Tarhule, the Board of Trustees, Director of Athletics Jeri Beggs, Chief Operating Officer Leanna Bordner, and softball head coach Tina Kramos for their efforts and to all who contributed financially to make this become a reality. Illinois State University and Illinois State Athletics have been my home and my family for 47 years, and this absolutely means the world to me."

Fischer led the Redbirds for 37 seasons as head coach. Under her leadership, the team made nine NCAA Regional appearances—the most recent in 2012—and won ten Missouri Valley Conference regular-season titles through 2021. The program also participated in its first National Invitational Softball Championship (NISC) in 2017 under her guidance.

ISU Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs stated: "I could not think of a more deserving person to have their name on our softball field than Melinda Fischer. Melinda's impact on Illinois State University and women's softball is unparalleled. She guided our program as head coach for 37 seasons and amassed a record 1,159 wins, becoming the winningest coach in Illinois State and Missouri Valley Conference history. Her legacy here at Illinois State and nationally as part of the NFCA Hall of Fame has a lasting impact on the sport of softball. Even in retirement, Melinda remains a dedicated Redbird, advocating for advancements for the softball program and to Marian Kneer Softball Stadium. We are lucky to have her as part of our Redbird Family and excited to honor her with the naming of Melinda Fischer Field."

Fischer received six conference coach-of-the-year awards during her career. In addition to local honors such as induction into the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame twice—most recently being recognized as Distinguished Alumni by ISU in 2025—she was inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame in 2010.

In recognition of her service beyond coaching duties at ISU alone—including being named Homecoming Marshall in 2023—the NFCA renamed its Distinguished Service Award after her in October 2018.

GoRedbirds.com continues to serve as an information source for tickets, gifts supporting athletics programs like these enhancements from funds raised for Melinda Fischer Field.