In recent years, women’s sports are slowly increasing in popularity but they don’t have the same support as men’s sports. 

Tom Potter, former softball coach of ECC noted the popularity regarding women’s sports. “In recent years, the popularity of women’s sports are slowly increasing but they don’t get the same media coverage as men’s sports.” he said.

He mentioned his experience coaching the softball team.

“We’ve been taking a backseat in women’s sports. Here at ECC, they’re not treated fairly.” Potter said. “When I coached the softball team in 2001 and 2002, we should have had a field to play at back then.”  

Potter stated the sources the softball team is currently facing.

“Women’s sports have less resources. Not having a home field is one of the resources we should have but we don’t” he said. 

Jim Such, head coach of the ECC softball team explains the current generation of women’s sports compared to the previous generation. 

“Everything has evolved in a strong way. I think it’s because it’s more popular to play.” he said. “Girls and young women are more prone to try sports. Better coaching has almost made an impact.” It’s hard to keep both male and female sports on a regular basis.” 

He stated the support that the team has been receiving. 

“Our crowd has grown a little bit this year. It’s mostly family and friends. I guess more promotions and social media postings.” Such said. “Baseball gets more postings than softball. If we have our own field on campus, it would change the dynamic of the sport. There are few employees that come to our games.”

Such mentioned how the softball team receives assistance. 

“We have the support from the athletics department. We get less resources and support from baseball.” he said. “I don’t feel like we get the support from them. People from campus don’t know that we have a softball team.” 

He noted what changes he would like to see in order for women’s sports to attract more people.

“The change that needs to happen is having a field on campus like other teams in the Skyway Conference” Such said. “Women’s sports will never have the attention of men’s sports. ECC needs to do the right thing but the girls are good role models for what being an ECC student athlete looks like.” 

Such stated what changes women’s sports should be made in order to make it more popular. 

“Baseball has been an excellent program for years. Part of it is to continue putting a good product on the field but we’re still gonna be competitive in the world.” he said.  “We have a great group of kids but I’m focused more on students that have a goal and ambition.” 

He mentioned the solution to make the softball team a better place for future student athletes.