SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The American International College softball field, currently known as Yellow Jackets Field, will be renamed in honor of 38-year head coach Judy Groff in a ceremony to be held on Saturday, April 29, in conjunction with a doubleheader against Saint Anselm College. The formal unveiling of the plaque renaming the field Judy Groff Field will be held just prior to the noon start time of the twinbill, while a ceremony will be held following the conclusion of the doubleheader.

Groff, who earlier this season became just the fifth coach in Division II softball history to win 850 career games, started the softball program at AIC in 1969 and has been the only coach in the history of the program. During her tenure, the softball team captured back-to-back NCAA Northeast Regional titles in 1996 and 1997, three Northeast-10 Conference Tournament titles (1987, 1996, 2003) and eight NE-10 regular season titles. The Yellow Jackets have made a total of 14 appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

Under coach Groff, the Yellow Jackets have posted a total of 30 winning seasons and have won at least 30 games 18 times over her career. The Yellow Jackets have also played in the ECAC Division II Tournament five times, capturing the tournament crown three times (1986, 1989, 1991).

Groff also served as AIC's volleyball coach from 1974-88 and compiled a 274-171 at the helm of that program. Groff earned a Bachelor's Degree in physical education at West Chester University and later earned her master's in Education along with an Advanced Certificate from Springfield College. In addition to her coaching duties, Groff is the Assistant Director of Athletics at the College and is the Senior Women's Administrator.