"As a former student-athlete at Notre Dame of Maryland, I feel compelled to share my experience with the university's athletic facilities, or lack thereof. While Notre Dame of Maryland prides itself on its academic excellence and inclusive community, its athletic facilities fall short of providing adequate support for athletes. One of the most glaring shortcomings is the absence of a usable softball field or turf. As a softball player, I was disheartened to discover that the university lacked a dedicated field for practices and games. Instead, we were forced to make do with makeshift arrangements on nearby fields, which often posed safety hazards and hindered our ability to fully engage in our sport. Moreover, the lack of proper facilities not only affected the quality of our training but also compromised our competitive edge. Without access to a well-maintained field or turf, we were at a significant disadvantage compared to teams from other universities with superior facilities. Beyond the softball program, other athletic teams also faced similar challenges due to inadequate facilities. The absence of modern amenities, such as updated gymnasiums, training rooms, and locker rooms, further underscored the university's neglect of its athletic programs. In addition to hindering athletic performance, the subpar facilities at Notre Dame of Maryland failed to foster a sense of pride and belonging among student-athletes. Without a proper infrastructure to support their endeavors, athletes struggled to feel valued and supported by the university community. Overall, the lack of usable softball fields or turf at Notre Dame of Maryland reflects a broader issue of neglect towards its athletic programs. As an alumna, I hope to see the university prioritize investments in its athletic facilities to ensure that future generations of student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed both on and off the field. Ashley Hodges also caters to the men since going coed so if you are a female, your sports will be overlooked. "