General | September 24

DeKALB, Ill. — Northern Illinois University Athletics recently unveiled its newly renovated dugouts for the Huskie softball team. The upgrades were officially revealed on September 12, just in time for the team's first fall game of the season.
 
This renovation reflects NIU's ongoing commitment to athletic excellence and the student-athlete experience, aligning with a significant milestone as the Huskies enter their final season in the Mid-American Conference before joining the Horizon League.
 
The dugout enhancements include increased roof height, the installation of infrared ceiling heaters, new benches, dedicated storage for helmets and bats, improved drainage systems, and reinforced netting along the field side for added player safety.
 
The project gained momentum thanks to support from NIU alumnus David Turner ('74, '88), whose significant contributions helped encourage further giving from across the Huskie community.
 
"We are extremely appreciative of all of the donors who contributed to this project, but especially Dave Turner.  We couldn't have made this a reality for our student-athletes without his continued support," said NIU Vice President/Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier. "Our newly renovated dugouts will greatly enhance the student-athlete experience for our softball program.
 
"We are incredibly grateful to Dave for his leadership as well as our other dedicated Huskie supporters for their contributions that led to the renovation of our dugouts. It is a cleaner, bigger space, that allows us to accommodate our entire team, coaches and support staff," said Kathryn Gleason, NIU softball's head coach. "Mary Bell Field is an elite complex that has just been elevated through this renovation. The bigger benches, larger helmet/bat rack and permanent heaters, make these some of the best in the Midwest."
 
"We are excited for the additional space and heaters (especially during those early spring games). We have a new bench and are able to be setup in a new way during the season," said Danielle Stewart, a senior pitcher/first baseman for the Huskies.
 
With the enhanced dugouts, the Huskies softball program will see action at Mary M. Bell Field five more times during the fall. Their next fall games are slated for September 28 against Parkland College at 11 a.m. and Northwestern at 4 p.m. A full fall schedule can be found at NIUHuskies.com.
 
Last season, the Huskies made the MAC tournament for the first time since the 2019 season.
 
Stay up-to-date on all things NIU Softball by visiting @NIUSoftball on Twitter/X, NIU Softball on Facebook, and @NIU_Softball on Instagram.