By Maya Betti, KYMN News Intern
The Northfield Fastpitch Softball Association (NFSA) is one of several recipients of the 2025 Fields for Kids grant from the Minnesota Twins Community Fund. The $15,000 award will go toward upgrades at Rock Fields.
The need for field upgrades — ranging from safety fixes to aesthetic enhancements — was identified several years ago. NFSA pursued the grant to help make the long-discussed changes a reality, undertaking a long grant application process and even receiving a letter of recommendation from Mayor Erica Zweifel.
Fundraising Coordinator Jessie Skobrak says they were thrilled to find out they had received the grant, even if it came with a catch.
“Once we were notified that we had received it, we squealed, got really excited, and then realized it was ‘oh, it’s a matching grant, ‘so now we have to raise the match portion of it,” – Jessie Skobrak, Fundraising Coordinator for Northfield Fastpitch Softball Association on KYMN In The Morning
NFSA leaders say the endeavor to meet their goal has been powered by community generosity and driven by a commitment to improving access and opportunities for girls in sports.
“It’s truly a grassroots campaign, so it’s approaching local businesses, recognizing that the support is needed for girls in youth sports, we’ve had an amazing outpouring of success.” – Jessie Skobrak, Fundraising Coordinator for Northfield Fastpitch Softball Association on KYMN In The Morning
Work is already underway. Sexton Enterprises, Inc., recently stepped in to donate all the labor and concrete needed for new dugouts, saving the project more than $6,000 in expenses.
Other proposed improvements include reskinning the fields, adding fencing and pouring additional concrete. According to the Association’s President Nick Capatina, the group is committed to using every dollar raised to enhance the fields.
Pictures of Rock Fields, used by the Softball Association.
“If we have money — again anything we get, anything we get towards this project— we’re going to spend it,” – Nick Capatina, President of NFSA on KYMN In The Morning
The fields are in frequent use throughout the year, shared by both the community and Northfield High School.
“You know, [they’re used] easily nine months out of the year by community, the high school. These fields are the only real softball fields in town that you can walk up and use,” – Nick Capatina, President of NFSA on KYMN In The Morning
As fundraising continues, the association is planning a final celebration event—potentially a community kickball tournament — as a way to mark the campaign’s success and thank donors.
“We have a generous community, and they have stepped up in a big way. We’re close, we just need to get to the finish line, and if we can keep going, then all the better, because it means more things we can give to the girls,” – Jessie Skobrak, Fundraising Coordinator for Northfield Fastpitch Softball Association on KYMN In The Morning
You can learn more and donate here.
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