SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Augustana Athletics Department is grateful to receive a lead gift for the new Bowden Field, the home of the Augustana softball team. Augustana head coach Gretta Melsted-Van Schepen and her husband Dan have pledged the gift for the renovation beginning in June.

"Dan and I both grew up in homes where a priority was placed on giving, whether that was of your time, talents or resources and it is a value that is important to our family," Coach Melsted said. "For the last 15 years, my family and I have given a lot of our time and talents to Augustana and our softball program.

"Now feels like the right time for us to step up and also share of our resources. We believe in Augustana, our athletic department and the softball program and are glad to do our part to help renovate Bowden Field for future generations."

Augustana announced last week that Bowden Field will be completely renovated, providing a championship atmosphere for a championship team.

The Vikings are the defending NCAA Division II National Champions while Melsted has guided AU to nine NCAA Tournament appearances. In all, she has compiled a 576-228 record while coaching the Vikings, now in her 15th season. 

"Gretta is a leader on our campus and a wonderful example of the impact that a coach can have on the lives of student-athletes," Augustana Director of Athletics Josh Morton said. "This gift from her and Dan is impactful not only from the investment made, but will inspire others to think about their own philanthropic impact on this significant renovation to Bowden Field."  

The gift from Coach Melsted's entire family is something that will honor the history of the program while pushing for the future. 

"Our boys (Matthew and Jacob) and I want to be a part of this project in honor of Coach Melsted, in the hope of being an example of strong female leadership to past, current and future generations of Augustana student-athletes," Dan commented.  

The future generations of Augustana student-athletes will be in good hands, thanks in large part to Coach Melsted and her family. 

Fundraising efforts continue for the new Bowden Field and recognition opportunities exist. For more information, please contact Associate Athletic Director for Development Robin Anderson Thormodsgaard at 605.274.5533 or by email at robin.thormodsgaard@augie.edu.

 

--GoAugie.com--