UC Clermont Soccer, Softball Score New Home Fields

UC Clermont College men’s and women’s soccer teams will start this fall season with something new: a permanent home field.

The teams will play every home game at West Clermont Middle School, located just five minutes from the college’s Batavia campus. The UC Clermont softball team will also play their home games on the school’s facilities beginning next spring. The fields, which will be branded for the UC Clermont Cougars, will be maintained by West Clermont as part of a three-year lease agreement between the schools.

Brian Sullivan, UC Clermont athletic director, says he hopes the arrangement marks the beginning of a long-term partnership. Already, having a permanent base has doubled the number of Cougar home soccer games this season and gives the teams access to a press box as well as restrooms and concessions for spectators.

“It’s a game changer for us. We are more than excited to get started,” said Sullivan, who explains that the new home fields also increase sponsorship opportunities, scheduling possibilities and help with recruiting, especially when combined with the Cougars’ new practice field on UC Clermont’s campus near the Student Activities Center.

“We are so happy to have a partnership with UC Clermont,” said James Collins, director of athletics for West Clermont High School. “I hope the relationship can continue for many years to come. Having college athletics on our campus is a great way to promote higher education among our students.”

The UC Clermont women’s soccer team will play their first home game against Cincinnati Christian University at West Clermont on August 31. The men’s team will play IU East at home on September 7.