Groundbreaking ceremony marks a milestone
Santa Fe College officially broke ground this week on the Hitchcock Family Clubhouse, a $2.5 million project that will replace the current makeshift locker room situation where student‑athletes often change in their cars before games.
The new clubhouse will serve as an on‑site locker room for both the baseball and softball programs and is slated for completion in the spring of 2027. A secondary phase, scheduled for a later date, will add indoor batting cages to further enrich the teams’ training capabilities.
Coach Savanah Webster emphasized that the facility will provide a safe, comfortable space for team bonding and preparation, noting that the current half‑mile walk to nearby buildings during lightning storms is far from ideal.
Athletic director Chanda Stebbins highlighted the project’s broader impact, stating that student safety and a positive experience are central to the college’s mission, especially after the program’s recent successes on the national stage.
The idea for a dedicated clubhouse dates back nearly a decade, sparked shortly after the Saints’ JUCO World Series appearance in 2016. The vision gained momentum following the softball team’s run to the 2026 JUCO World Series, where they finished with a 48‑17 record.
Santa Fe’s baseball program has a history of producing talent that moves on to SEC schools and Major League Baseball, with alumni such as Tyler Shelnut and Ryan Yarbrough serving as inspirational examples for current players.
Infielders and outfielders like Gavin Jones are already looking forward to the new space, expressing excitement about having a dedicated area to celebrate wins and foster camaraderie among teammates.