Softball V
Phillips Academy became a coeducational institution in 1973. Over the years, the varsity teams have rung up a 342-130 record (.725), including a 16-4 record in the 2008 season. Since 2001, PA has co-hosted the Big East Prep Invitational tournament, an eight-team, double-elimination competition held on the third weekend in May. Every year, on both the varsity and JV squads, we focus on individual skill development, team building and -- last but not least -- having fun.
PA has one of the best softball venues at the New England secondary level, featuring two diamonds at Isham Field. Both have skinned infields, and the main diamond is equipped with an outfield fence, electronic scoreboard, enclosed bullpens, bleachers, team dugouts and a storage facility. There is also an outdoor batting cage. Spectators, whether the former Andover baseball captain, President George Bush ’41, or our friends, family and schoolmates, enjoy the cozy confines of Isham’s intimate setting while sitting in the stands or catching rays on the grassy bank that runs parallel to the third base line.
We are also proud of the outstanding academic records compiled by our players. It is not uncommon for our players to earn Honor Roll grades during the softball season. One of our former captains graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Division I university while playing four years of varsity softball. Andover graduates have gone on to play collegiate softball in all three NCAA divisions. Two former players have earned NCAA Division I league Rookie of the Year honors. Several have captained their teams, one leading her team to the NCAA Division I Regionals. Some have become coaches. Several have ended their competitive softball careers at Andover, but starred in other college sports, such as crew, hockey and soccer. One former shortstop scored a hat trick to lead her team to an NCAA Women’s Hockey championship.
The most exciting stories relate what graduates have accomplished off the field. They are active professionally in the arts, business, education, engineering, environmental issues, journalism, law, medicine, politics, public policy, research and travel. They have families of their own and typically give back to their communities. One former star leadoff hitter, now completing her doctorate, began studying Chinese at PA and now runs a water resources project in China. Softball alumnae are among the many PA graduates who have put their Andover education and wide range of interests to good use. We welcome interest in our softball program from those who are eager to follow in such illustrious footsteps.