The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced that the home of Valpo Softball will be renamed Bill Steinbrecher Field to recognize the impact and legacy of Director of Athletics emeritus Dr. Bill Steinbrecher.
 
Steinbrecher was surprised by the news during an on-field presentation at a media timeout of Saturday's Homecoming football game at Brown Field. The dedication ceremony will take place at a home softball game this spring on Saturday, March 27. Details will be announced at a later date.
 
"Dr. Bill Steinbrecher is a legendary figure on the Valparaiso University campus who made a transformative impact on the Department of Athletics," Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Laurel Hosmer said. "His vision and commitment established our roots in a way that has positively impacted generations of Valpo student-athletes. Bill's passion for Valpo Athletics remains steadfast in his retirement and he is often present cheering on teams. He exemplifies our motto of building lives for good through the way he teaches sportsmanship, dignity and class. Dr. Steinbrecher's contributions to Valpo Athletics make him very deserving of this high honor."  
 
A 2005 inductee into the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame, Steinbrecher served as the Director of Athletics at Valparaiso University from 1979-2004. He shaped the early days of Valpo's Division-I history, taking over shortly after the University transitioned to Division-I athletics in 1976. During his 25-year tenure, the department enjoyed great success in competition, capturing multiple conference championships in men's basketball, women's basketball, football and volleyball as well as league titles in men's soccer, men's tennis and women's tennis. Many of those teams advanced to the NCAA Tournament, highlighted by the men's basketball team's Sweet 16 appearance in 1998.
 
Steinbrecher also emphasized a high level of academic achievement for student-athletes, invested significant effort into the planning and construction of the Athletics-Recreation Center and created Valpo's first athletic donor organization. A Class of 1957 alum, Steinbrecher served the holistic mission of the campus with Valpo roots that go beyond his time leading the athletic department. He was a member of the Valpo faculty from 1959-1970, teaching in the physical education department while serving as wrestling, golf and assistant football coach. As a student, he was a member of the football team from 1953-1956 and participated in track in 1954.
 
Steinbrecher's Valpo legacy extends to his son Jon, the current commissioner of the Mid-American Conference and the Chair of the Valparaiso University Board of Directors. A 1983 Valpo graduate, Jon was a member of the football and tennis programs during his time at Valpo.
 
Since his retirement in 2004, Steinbrecher has continued to serve as a tremendous ambassador for the Valpo brand. Known for his character, kindness and sportsmanship, Steinbrecher continues to have a presence at numerous Valpo athletic events each year, cheering on his beloved Brown & Gold.
 
Another component of Steinbrecher's impact on Valpo student-athletes is his philanthropy.  While his generosity has benefited all sports, Steinbrecher's impact has especially elevated softball, a program that launched during his tenure as athletic director and had its first season of competition in 1982. He was an important advocate for elevating the softball program to varsity status. His gifts have played a key role in improvements to the field that will bear his name.
 
A history of athletics success is a core part of the roots of the University. That history at the Division-I level started with Steinbrecher, and decisions he made – including the hiring of Homer Drew as head men's basketball coach – helped the institution expand its reach through the exposure generated by the 1998 Sweet 16 run.