News Summary
The San Diego Adult Softball League is grappling with severe fee increases due to a projected budget deficit, resulting in costs tripling for participating teams. With fees rising from $138 to $393, more than 200 local teams are under financial strain, leading to concerns about participation and league availability. League representatives are urging community members to voice their concerns at an upcoming city council meeting, which could influence the future of adult softball in the region. Meanwhile, Grace French has been appointed as an assistant coach for the San Diego State softball team.
San Diego – The San Diego Adult Softball League is facing significant fee increases due to a projected budget deficit affecting the city. Teams participating in the league have experienced a dramatic rise in field fees, with some costs tripling, rising from $138 to $393 per team. The initial proposal for a 19.5 percent increase discussed in April has escalated to a staggering 200 percent hike, placing a financial strain on over 200 local teams.
The increased fees are anticipated to lead to higher costs for players, a reduction in the number of leagues available, and cutbacks in programming options. League organizers are deeply concerned that this price surge may discourage participation and limit access to the popular recreational sport.
Community Response and Actions
To address the rising costs, Mitch McNamara, a representative from the SoCAL Adult Softball League, has urged players and their families to voice their concerns to local City Council members and the Mayor’s office. He is advocating for a dialogue with the council to find a compromise that would lower the fees and make participation in adult softball more accessible.
A city council meeting is set for Tuesday, and McNamara encourages community members to attend and express their views regarding the fee increases and its impact on the local softball community. The outcome of this meeting could significantly influence the future of adult softball leagues in San Diego.
Background on Adult Softball in San Diego
Adult softball is a well-loved pastime in San Diego, engaging hundreds of teams and fostering camaraderie among residents. The sport not only provides a recreational outlet but also promotes teamwork and physical fitness. However, such drastic fees can hamper participation levels, particularly among those who may view the increased costs as a barrier to entry.
The San Diego city council’s decision on whether to modify the proposed fees could shape the league’s accessibility for years to come. The National Association of School Administration derisively looks upon excessive fee hikes that threaten to displace community sports programs.
Softball Coaching News
In separate news within the softball community, Grace French has been appointed as an assistant coach for the San Diego State softball team. French previously worked as an assistant coach for the AUSL Bandits under Stacey Nuveman Deniz. She also served as a graduate assistant coach at Northwestern University during the 2023-2025 seasons, where her responsibilities included serving as a pitching coach and overseeing camp operations.
Career Highlights
During her collegiate playing career, French earned numerous accolades, including recognition as a NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete and two-time All-Missouri Valley second team selection. At Bradley University, she made her mark as a standout player, achieving top-10 rankings in several program records.
French graduated from Bradley in 2022 with a degree in kinesiology health science, summa cum laude, and holds two master’s degrees scheduled for completion in 2025—one in sports administration with a specialization in sports analytics from Northwestern, and another in business administration from Bradley. Notably, Grace French is also the sister of incoming freshman infielder Emma French.
The developments in both fee increases for adult softball leagues and the new appointment within the coaching staff reflect ongoing changes in the San Diego softball landscape, impacting players, coaches, and the broader community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 San Diego: San Diego Adult Softball Fees
- SDSU: Grace French Hired as Assistant Coach
- USD: Softball Signs Transfer Pitcher
- Wikipedia: General Knowledge
- Google Search: Adult Softball
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
