Article by Phoenix writer Grace Andino ’25:
On Saturday, March 22, Kellenberg blessed and unveiled the new Ken Conrade Softball Field.
After 2 years of construction, Kellenberg’s new softball field, located on what was once St. John’s field, now serves as the center for the ever-advancing softball program at Kellenberg. Just outside the Firebird Center for Arts and Athletics (FCAA) is the new state-of-the- art turf field with enclosed dugouts.
Mr. Kenneth Conrade, Kellenberg’s Chief Operating Officer and supervisor of the new FCAA building, has coached the Girls Varsity Softball team for 32 years and has been head coach for 30 years. Since the initiation of the previous field almost 30 years ago, Coach Conrade has turned Kellenberg’s softball program into a force to be reckoned with: the girls won their first championship in 2001 and have tallied five league and three state championships since.
Though the original and the new field’s openings have seen the same principal, head coach, and Chaplain –Brother Kenneth Hoagland, S.M., Coach Conrade, and Fr. Thomas Cardone, S.M., respectively, this new field’s dedication held a special surprise. Fr. Tom and Brother Ken surprised Coach Conrade and the team with the new name for the space: Ken Conrade Softball Field.
Coach Conrade has poured his heart into the softball program and was pleasantly surprised when he discovered the field would be named in his honor. He shares, “It is an extreme honor to have the field named after me. I am excited to see the program’s development in the upcoming years.”
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Junior Michaela Ressenger to her mother Maura Resseggger, a member of the 1995 team that opened the original field. Maura returned to her old position behind the plate as Michaela threw her the first pitch.
Michaela shares her mother instilled in her a love for softball and the frst pitch was a full circle moment for her family. “Having this new field means that we have a new home,” shares Michaela. “We get the opportunity as a program to grow together and to start a new legacy just like how the women who have played Kellenberg softball before us have with the previous field.”
Following the blessing, the team had a full day of season opening games on their ‘new home’ where they faced St. Joseph by the Sea and Xavier High School.
The new field is not only a testament to the advancements at Kellenberg, but gives homage to Coach Conrade’s humility and his dedication towards the softball program.
