By Jason Pugh, Northwestern State Associate Athletic Director for External Relations
NATCHITOCHES – Thanks to the largest one-time gift in Northwestern State athletics’ history, sizeable improvements are coming to NSU’s baseball and softball facilities.
A $1.9 million donation from the Thornton family announced Tuesday will provide new artificial turf at both Brown-Stroud Field and the Lady Demon Diamond, giving the university the first two no-fill turf fields in the United States. Both Dr. Jennifer and David Thornton are Northwestern State alumni, giving added significance to the gift.
In addition to turfing the fields, the donation will pad baseball’s outfield wall and overhaul the current lighting system at the softball complex.
“As a department, we are overwhelmingly grateful for the support of the Thornton family,” NSU Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “The Thorntons have been tremendous stewards for Northwestern State, and this is another example of their generosity. This gift is a game changer for two of our programs, each of whom will have one of the best facilities in the Southland Conference in their respective sports with these additions.”
The Thorntons long have been passionate supporters of Northwestern, creating scholarships to support students in computer information systems, nursing, business, fine arts, accounting and criminal justice in the past decade.
Both Jennifer and David Thornton are NSU graduates with David earning a degree in computer information systems in 2007 while Jennifer has an associate’s degree in nursing (2010), a bachelor’s degree in nursing (2013) and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (2022). They are the parents of Tenley (14), Taylen (12) and Cooper (3).
The partnership with GeoSurfaces will bring the Baton Rouge-based company’s PIVOT no infill turf to a U.S. sports facility for the first time.
“We want to express our sincerest thanks and appreciation to the Thornton family for this incredible display of generosity,” NSU head baseball coach Chris Bertrand said. “The impact that this project will have on Demon Baseball is immeasurable. Demons of the present and future will have a first-class facility and experience like no other. As we continue to build Demon baseball in the new landscape of college baseball, our facility becoming what it is will be a focal point in bringing student-athletes to our university. We have the Thorntons to thank for this incredible addition to us attracting people to Demonland. Our staff, our players, and our fans are chomping at the bit to see the new B-Stro.”
Both Bertrand and first-year softball head coach Jenny Fuller will serve as spokespeople for the GeoSurfaces brand.
Fuller will begin her first year as Northwestern State’s coach with a new-look facility.
“There’s a new look coming to the NSU softball stadium, and we couldn’t be more excited,” she said. “Going to a full turf field in our facility is a game changer in so many ways. We’re adding to the experience of what a Demon softball game looks and feels like for our fans and players. And it goes without saying that this is going to give us a significant boost in recruiting and bringing high-caliber athletes to the program. We are so thankful to GeoSurfaces for helping make this happen and could not have asked for a better way to start this journey at NSU.”
The projects are set to start later this month and both facilities will be ready for the 2025 seasons, which begin in February.