MARSHALL, Texas – East Texas Baptist University's Jason Bell Park at Taylor Field was named the 2026 STADIONIC/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Field of the Year. ETBU is being recognized as Field of the Year for the second time, after receiving this award in 2018. 
 
"We are incredibly humbled and honored to be recognized as the NFCA Field of the Year for the second time. We take tremendous pride in our field and are so thankful to call Jason Bell Park at Taylor Field home. This recognition is a reflection of the commitment of our ETBU administration and the generosity of so many people who have invested in our program, especially Jason Bell and his family. Their support has allowed us to provide a first-class facility for our student-athletes, while also creating a place where we have the privilege of showcasing the incredible talent in Division III softball on a national stage," ETBU Head Softball Coach Janae Shirley said. "We are proud to have hosted championship events here and look forward to welcoming the Division III softball community back to East Texas in 2028. We are truly blessed by the people who have helped make this facility so special."
 
ETBU will host their third NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament in 2028 after two successful years in 2023 and 2024. ETBU has also hosted eight NCAA Regional Tournaments and three Super Regional Tournaments, along with numerous American Southwest Conference Tournaments. ETBU became the first modern-day program to win a National Championship on its home field in 2024, when it won the program's second national championship.
 
"We are incredibly proud to see Jason Bell Park at Taylor Field recognized as the 2026 STADIONIC/NFCA Division III Field of the Year. This prestigious honor reflects the commitment to excellence that defines ETBU Athletics and the hard work of our Athletic Facilities crew, under the leadership of John Patterson, as well everyone throughout campus who helps maintain and enhance our facilities. Jason Bell Park at Taylor Field is a special place for our student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and fans, and this recognition is a testament to the pride we take in providing an outstanding environment for our softball program. We are grateful to everyone who has played a role in making this possible and proud to see ETBU and our softball program recognized nationally," Ryan Erwin, Senior Vice President for Campus Life said.
 
Originally constructed in 1998, Taylor Field became Jason Bell Park at Taylor Field in 2023, honoring the Bell Family and their dedication to helping build ETBU athletic facilities. The newest addition to the complex was a state-of-the-art press box and suites, stadium seating, bathrooms, a concession stand, and an award display. In 2018, Symmetry Sports Construction upgraded the softball facility with artificial turf, and the University constructed a 3,000-square-foot space featuring a state-of-the-art locker room, coaches' office, and a lounge area for study, fellowship, and discipleship. The project also added padded walls, backstops, and a centerfield berm for additional seating.
 
Jason Bell Park at Taylor Field has consistently been one of the top NCAA Division III softball facilities in the nation. The Fall 2018 edition of Learning by Design, a premier source for education design innovation and excellence, gave ETBU an Outstanding Project Award for excellence in educational facility design. In 2019, the American School & University Architectural Portfolio recognized the clubhouse with the Outstanding Designs Award in the Sports Stadium/Athletic Facility category.
 
Shirley has led ETBU softball's continued success as she enters her 20^th season as head coach. Her teams have won two NCAA Division III National Championships (2010, 2024), two Super Regional Championships (2014, 2024), and five Regional Championships while playing in 16 NCAA Tournaments. Her tenure has also brought nine ASC Tournament Championships, numerous All-Americans and Academic All-Americans, two NFCA National Players of the Year, and the 2024 NCAA Division III Honda National Player of the Year.
 
ETBU and Jason Bell Park at Taylor Field will be recognized on December 12 during the NFCA National Convention Annual Awards Brunch.