Upper Arlington Softball Association

Last year, the Upper Arlington Softball Association brought back a beloved tradition - the Grandslam Softball Gala, a night where our community gathered in celebration of the game we love.

This year, we step away from the ballroom and onto the ballfields - because our girls face a challenge that can’t wait.

The Challenge: Fields Unplayable Too Soon

With exciting plans for a new Jones Middle School and field renovations still four years away, our girls need a solution today. Anyone who has spent time at Jones or the JV field knows how quickly rain can turn them into mud. Coaches — already balancing full-time jobs, families, and teams — are left dragging, drying, and reworking fields, sometimes three times in a single day, just to give players a chance to compete.

The fastest way to change the game? Infield tarps.

Each tarp would exponentially increase playability, reduce burnout for coaches, and give our middle school and JV girls the precious field time they deserve.

The Goal: $15,000+ for Three Tarps

We are raising funds to purchase quality infield tarps - one for each field.

Our ultimate goal is Premier+ tarps for all three fields ($24,000 total).

At minimum, we must get Jones covered this spring, with JV close behind.

How Your Gift Helps

With every gift, you’re helping us make sure rain doesn’t steal the game.

The Start: Community Generosity Already in Motion

This project wasn’t thought possible - until generosity sparked the way forward.

Amy Snoble McManus, UASA Secretary, received Cardinal Health’s most prestigious employee honor: The Robert D. Walter Founders Award. With it came a $5,000 gift to a nonprofit of her choosing. We know that Amy has many special causes near and dear to her heart, and UASA is so honored to be chosen in this way. There is nothing Amy hasn’t done for UASA, and we are so grateful for her, her husband Zach, and daughters Harper and Taryn.

The Clark Family gave $1,600 in memory of Fred Clark, the Varsity field’s namesake, with the simple wish: “If it helps the girls, of course.” This man, this family, are legends - and today, they chose to step up in another legendary way for the girls of UA softball, using the funds sent to UASA in memory of their beloved father and grandfather. We continue to be reminded how full circle the world of UA softball can be - the community, the camaraderie, and the love - through Taylor Orr, Kim Orr, Karen Pluger, and family.

Together, we already have $6,600 raised -

and now we need your help.

Stewardship

All purchasing decisions will be made under the leadership of Varsity Head Coach Doug Bell, ensuring the tarps meet program needs and maximize the benefit to UA Softball.

Tarps will be purchased by UASA and donated directly to Upper Arlington Schools. Any funds raised beyond the purchase of the tarps will be donated to UAHS Softball, further strengthening the program.

A Community Plea

UA Softball has been an incredible build - layer by layer, family by family, season by season. This project is the next step in our evolution. Our girls need fields they can count on, and our school teams deserve the chance to play as much as possible.

We will find a way to commemorate the families who help us make this happen - because this effort isn’t just about tarps, it’s about legacy, community, and love for the game.

These girls are working so hard, and there is nothing worse than a rainout. It’s time to come together - to rally behind them, to protect their fields, and to Field the Future for the girls of UA Softball.

Sarah Lathrop, President

Upper Arlington Softball Association