The Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) announced its 2024 “Field of the Year” winners. This prestigious award spotlights the individuals and programs that excelled this year in providing quality, safe playing surfaces.
Every year, SFMA presents the industry’s highest honor to members who manage baseball, football, soccer, softball, and other sporting grounds at the professional, collegiate, school (K-12), and parks and recreation levels.
The 2024 winners are:
Professional
Baseball: Springfield Cardinals, Hammons Field (Springfield, MO) – Nathan Strait, Derek Edwards
Soccer: Louisville City FC/Racing Louisville, Lynn Family Stadium (Louisville, KY) – Aaron Fink
College and University
Baseball: Georgia Southern University, J.J. Clements Stadium (Statesboro, GA) – Joe Stumpo
Football: Arizona State University, Mountain America Stadium (Tempe, AZ) – Josh Lenz
Soccer: Mississippi State University, MSU Soccer Field (Starkville, MS) – Brandon Hardin
Softball: University of Georgia Athletic Association, Jack Turner Softball Stadium (Athens, GA) – Brandi ‘BJ’ Thomas
Schools and Parks
Baseball: Corona Del Mar High School, Sea King Field (Newport Beach, CA) – Kevin McCaffrey
Football: The Westminster Schools, Fritz-Orr Field at Thompson Stadium (Atlanta, GA) – Jake Mays
Soccer: City of Surprise, The Fields at Countryside FACS (Surprise, AZ) – Steve Hamilton, CSFM
Softball: Ogden School District, Ben Lomond Scots Softball Field (Ogden, UT) – Brett Barker
“The dedication and expertise of these Field of the Year Award winners exemplify the best in sports field management,” says SFMA President, Sun Roesslein, CSFM. “Their commitment to excellence ensures that athletes of all levels have access to safe, high-quality playing surfaces. We are honored to recognize their contributions to the field management profession.”
The SFMA Awards Committee reviewed each submittal and independently rated applicants on field quality as impacted by staffing, budget, use, monthly maintenance, and a visual story that documents challenges and successes.
Winners receive complimentary registration to the 2025 SFMA Conference & Exhibition, accommodations for three nights, signature clothing, and a trophy presented during the annual awards banquet. Each recipient will also be highlighted in an upcoming issue of SportsField Management magazine.
