The Iowa Women's Softball League is on the move!
The 2020 IWSL campaign begins this Sunday at a terrific field in Walker, a small town (pop. 789) that is located 20 miles north of Cedar Rapids in a lovely setting.
All of the IWSL games were played at Mount Mercy University the past two years, but the college softball fields at Mount Mercy, Kirkwood, Coe and Iowa are all closed due to the pandemic. League officials reached out to new friends in Walker and the community has welcomed us with open arms.
"We are delighted to be playing in Walker this summer," said Jim Ecker, the founder and director of the Iowa Women's Softball League. "The good people in Walker are excited about us coming to town and they have everything to make us feel welcome."
The IWSL will spend the first four weeks of the season in Walker with doubleheaders each Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The league might switch to a college field in July if one becomes available, but otherwise all the games in July will be played in Walker as well.
The Walker field has a covered grandstand behind home plate, an immaculate grass outfield and a grain elevator across the street. All that's missing is corn behind the outfield fence at this field of dreams.
"This is an absolutely charming softball and baseball facility," said Ecker. "I fell in love with it the moment I saw it."
The Iowa Women's Softball League, entering its fourth year, is the only women's college summer league in Iowa. This year's program features players from 30 colleges and 10 states, with a nice blend of NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA and Junior College players.
Mount Mercy, Kirkwood, Coe, Iowa and UNI are well-represented in the league, which has 60 players divided onto four teams of 15 players apiece.
The Cedar Rapids Softball Hall of Fame is the new title sponsor for the IWSL. Bosch Financial, Ironside Apparel, Emil's Hideaway and the Metro Sports Report are the team sponsors. The Silver Medal Sponsors are TSF Structures, the Green State Credit Union, McGrath Auto, Freddy's Restaurants, Donutland and Adcraft Printing.
