When fans visit Loyola Park for softball games this season, they will be able to cheer on the Hawks from new grandstands that includes royal blue stadium seating behind home plate and space for a future press box.. These recent upgrades were made possible through private support of the Kaminski Charitable Trust and the Skala family. While enhancing the game day experience for fans and student-athletes, this new addition also provides alumni and fans the opportunity to support the program while celebrating their legacy and connection to Rockhurst softball.



For Elaine Struve (middle left), the seats represent another stepping-stone in building the program started by her late husband, hall of fame coach Galen Struve, who led the Hawks from the program's first season in 2005 until retiring in 2017. Coach Struve passed away in 2022.

To honor her husband's mark on the program, Elaine generously agreed to support today's student-athletes and help start the legacy seat campaign at Loyola Park. The legacy seats allow donors to support the program with a gift, while having their name, or a loved one's name, on a new stadium seat.

While Coach Struve's seat can be found in the front row, Elaine had a unique request for where her legacy seat be placed.

    

"I wanted my mine to be in the second row to help symbolize I was always behind Galen, his assistant coaches, and teams in their vision, dedication, and hard work for building the softball program", said Elaine.

The two seats next to Struve in the front row would be reserved for two more individuals who would join Elaine in supporting the legacy seat campaign, assistant coach Suzie Muenz (far left) and head coach Dana Goss (middle right). Muenz both played for and spent time early in her collegiate coaching career as an assistant for Struve and has since returned as an assistant for Goss. For her, joining the legacy seat campaign both shows her appreciation for the Struve family, and her passion for continuing to serve the program and its student-athletes.

"I have known Elaine since 1992 when I played for Coach Struve. To still have her as part of my softball family is very special to me. Coach Goss and I still strive to keep the same standards that Coach Struve had for many years", said Muenz.

Also joining Coach Goss and Coach Muenz in the first row are two of many alumni who found a welcoming home at Rockhurst and in the softball program. While Emily (Dye) McVey, '09 was part of the early years of the program, it provided her with the home she was seeking after having her softball career nearly ended due to significant medical challenges. Emily transferred to Rockhurst and played two seasons for the Hawks and was selected to the All-GLVC team in 2008 and 2009.

"I remember Galen saying that he knew Emily would be successful in whatever career path she would choose. During her career she overcame significant medical challenges with determination and perseverance, and continued to play the sport she loved while gaining respect from all that knew her. After her playing career was over she went on to become a graduate assistant for Galen, further developing her leaderhip abilities," said Elaine.

McVey now serves as the Vice President of KC Animal Health Corridor and the legacy seat campaign is one of many ways she and her husband Tom McVey, '11, continue to support the program and university.

Alex Jacobson, '14 (far right), had many highlights during her career at Rockhurst, none more than setting an NCAA softball record by hitting a home run in eight consecutive games (a record that still stands today across all levels of NCAA softball), and being a three-time All-GLVC selection (2012-14).

"Being part of the softball program gave me a sense of belonging, introduced me to lifelong friends, and taught me many lessons I continue to carry with me to this day," said Jacobson, who now serves as a certified oncology registered nurse at Research Medical Center.

Alex's support in starting the legacy seat campaign is one of many ways she is still involved in the program and continues to demonstrate the same team-first approach that gained her the admiration of her coaches.



"Galen was so proud of Alex, not only for her home run record, but for selfless attitude, contagious smile, and contributions to the team", said Elaine.

Head coach Dana Goss sees these new legacy seats as one of many ways that alumni and fans can continue to be involved and make an impact on the student-athletes in the program today.

This is home for me and being able to connect and personally introduce the Struve family and alumni to our current team is one of my favorite things about being back at Rockhurst. Our softball alumni community is full of high achieving women who truly love Rockhurst University and this program.  When our student-athletes know they are being supported by them financially, hear their words of encouragement, see their involvement at practices, and see them in the stands at games, they know they have a unique sisterhood that truly makes a positive difference in their journey at Rockhurst," said Goss.

Coach Goss also added that by continuing to be involved in the program, alumni will help the program continue to reach new heights and build upon the foundation set by Coach Struve.

"The collaboration, support and continued dedication of our alumni is helping to elevate this program to the high level it is capable of becoming while still holding the integrity of what Coach Struve built this program upon," said Goss.

All alumni, family members, and fans of the softball program can join Elaine, Coach Goss, Coach Muenz, Alex, and Emily in purchasing a legacy seat. Seats are available with a $500 donation to the program. Seats ordered prior to December 31, 2024, will be installed before the 2025 season begins. Seat payments can be made at once or in monthly installments up to one year. All donations for softball legacy seats will benefit the softball program. More information can be found at www.rockhursthawks.com/legacyseats.*

Rockhurst University and Coach Goss would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Kaminski Charitable Trust and the Skala family for their support of the softball program and all of Rockhurst Athletics.

*Legacy seats are also available for alumni and fans to purchase for Loyola Park baseball field, Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse, and Bourke Field. Please visit the site above to designate seat location and choice of program to support with your donation.