Thanks to the generosity of Jennifer Tepper Mackesy ’91, D. Scott Mackesy ’91 and John Goodenow “Goody” Tyler II in the closing days of the successful All In campaign, W&M Athletics and Campus Recreation are making a major upgrade in campus facilities. A completely new turf field named Jill Ellis Field will be installed in the new 1987 Women’s Soccer Team Training Center, which will include a new scoreboard and lights, making night practices and games possible.
“With incredible generosity from Jen, Scott and Goody, W&M Athletics is able to appropriately recognize Jill Ellis, one of our most celebrated alumnae, and one of our best-ever soccer teams. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize a long legacy of support from Jill,” said Director of Athletics Brian D. Mann. “It is particularly noteworthy that this gift impacts the entire university as the improved facilities will benefit our varsity soccer and lacrosse teams as well as intramural and club sports.”
Jill Ellis Field will be dedicated on April 20 in honor of legendary Tribe soccer player Jill Ellis ’88, L.H.D.’16, who has had a stellar career as a head coach at the Division 1 level and as the head coach for the U.S. National Women’s Team, which won back-to-back FIFA World Cups in 2015 and 2019. She is currently the team president for San Diego Wave FC. Already a member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame, Jill will be inducted in the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame the weekend of April 19-20.