The Kansas Jayhawks play home games at Arrocha Ballpark, named in honor of Demostenes Arrocha, a Panamanian immigrant and the father of KU benefactor Cheryl Womack. A KU alumna and Kansas businesswoman, Cheryl Womack pledged $2 million in November 2002 to help build a new softball stadium at the University of Kansas.

Phase I of the project, which was completed in early 2004, included a new playing surface with drainage under the outfield, new infield material and new dugouts. A practice hitting area down the rightfield line includes cages and a drill area. A computerized scoreboard also was added in the first phase of construction.

Future ballpark upgrades include:

Field improvements to meet NCAA Championship specifications, with field lighting and perches installed to meet television broadcast requirements;

Seating for 800 with 300 seatback chairs;

A new press box with a general press area featuring telephone and Internet access, scoreboard and sound operations, two radio rooms, VIP box, television room and restroom;

Installation of permanent public restrooms, concession area, KUStore area, softball and soccer locker room, male and female staff/officials locker room, video conferencing area and an auxiliary training room.

Thank you, Cheryl Womack!

Womack, one of 11 children, grew up in Kansas City, Kan. After graduating from KU in 1975 with a degree in elementary education, she briefly taught elementary school and then started her business career with a local insurance company before moving on to found her own businesses.

In the early 1980s, Womack founded the National Association of Independent Truckers Inc.; VCW Inc., a specialty insurance agency; and Preferred Administrative Services, a third-party claims administrator. She sold the companies in April 2002 and became chief executive officer of VCW Holding Company LLC, which partners with and provides consulting and administrative services to a variety of start-up and growth companies.

Womack has been featured in such publications as Fortune, Forbes and USA Today. The worldwide business consulting firm the STAR Group recently named her one of the "Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World," placing her in the ranks of cosmetics company founder Adrien Arpel, designer Donna Karan, diet company founder Jenny Craig and broadcaster Phyllis George. The recipients of the award come from all parts of the world, and only 20 percent have been from the United States.

Womack is a member of The Committee 200, a group of women who own or run some of America's largest businesses. She has served on the board of Entrepreneurial Exchange, a group dedicated to promoting business growth in Kansas City. In addition, she has served on the KU School of Business Board of Advisors, the executive board of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and the boards of several local businesses. Womack is a past member of the National Women's Business Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the board of directors and Small Business Council of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

"I'm pleased to be involved in a project that is all about achievement and hard work, qualities my father exemplified," Womack said upon the announcement of her pledge. "This facility will enhance the quality of life and increase the level of confidence of the women athletes who use it because it will raise the bar for them competitively and show them how much others believe in their ability."