The Cassville softball program christened its completed turf field on Sept. 13, with former coach Bonnie Cox ceremonially throwing the first pitch at the new facility prior to a contest with Monett.

Cox started her career at Cassville in 1994, serving as a middle school science teacher for the district. Later on in her career, she transitioned to teaching physical education. In addition to teaching, Cox coached middle school volleyball and basketball.

In the mid-‘90s, the Cassville community and parents of local softball players began advocating for a high school competitive softball team. After much consideration, the Board of Education voted and approved that the fall of 1997 would be the inaugural season for the Cassville softball team.

Cox was asked to lead the team, serving as Lady Wildcat Softball’s first head coach.

Walt Hasler, who joined Cox on the field for the first pitch, was the first softball assistant coach.

When the softball program began in 1997, players traveled to the softball fields located downtown for daily practices and weekly games.

Cox said she is excited to see the support the program now has with the on-campus facility and the addition of the turf field.

Cox retired from the district in 2011. She now resides in Arkansas and enjoys volunteering in the cardiac rehab unit at her local hospital, helping out with her church food pantry, playing pickleball and cheering on the Razorbacks, the Yankees and the Cowboys.

Following the event, the Lady Wildcats (7-9) took on the Lady Cubs (6-10), falling in the contest, 11-2