The Palmer behind Palmer Park, the palace of a UVA Softball stadium that opened in 2020, Lisa Palmer, who ranks second on the program’s all-time wins list, is at it again – with the news today being a $4 million commitment to endow the program’s head coaching position and provide additional support for the Virginia Softball Enhancement Fund.
The gift establishes the Palmer Family Softball Head Coach position, supporting the head coach’s salary.
Palmer, per a release from UVA Athletics that went out on Thursday, has also expanded her planned gift commitment to UVA Softball.
“My experience at Virginia helped shape my values, my work ethic and the course of my life,” said Palmer, a 1989 UVA alum who was 74-46 with a 0.94 ERA in her four-year career, going 27-12 with a 1.06 ERA in 1988 and 25-9 with a 0.70 ERA in 1989, before earning an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1994, and later becoming president and CEO of Regency Centers Corporation.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities I had here and for the people whose generosity helped make them possible. Giving back is my way of helping the young women who follow to have opportunities of their own. Sharing that commitment with my mom makes it especially meaningful,” said Palmer, who was named to the ACC’s 50th Anniversary Softball Team and was the first player in UVA Softball program history to have her jersey number, 22, retired.
In 2014, Lisa Palmer and her mother, Fran Palmer, established the Lisa and Frances Palmer Endowed Softball Scholarship; the Palmers’ most visible contribution came through the lead gift that helped make the $25 million Palmer Park, with fixed seating for 500-plus, with additional amenities including three batting cages, a dedicated pitching lane, locker rooms, a team lounge, training room, equipment room and meeting spaces, possible.
“We are grateful for the continued support and dedication Lisa Palmer and her mother, Fran, have shown to Virginia Athletics, and specifically Virginia Softball over the years,” Athletics Director Carla Williams said. “Lisa’s generosity was critical in laying a foundation to allow our program to position itself on the national stage and this most recent gift continues to build on that foundation. This gift ensures Virginia Softball is positioned to pursue championships on the field and develop student-athletes for success off the field and after their playing careers.”
“It’s impossible to fully express the gratitude we feel for Lisa Palmer and the passion, dedication, and impact she has brought to our program,” UVA Softball coach Joanne Hardin said. “It’s humbling to be part of this journey as she leads the way in transforming our program and creating opportunities for our student-athletes. The mark she is leaving, and the lasting legacy she is building, is a truly cherished gift that words cannot fully capture. Her passion and commitment set an incredible example, inspiring others to get involved and join her in positioning our program for the future. She cares deeply about the young women in this program – who they are, how they grow and what they will contribute after they graduate.
“Palmer Park changed what was possible here at Virginia. This new commitment ensures that strong leadership and exceptional student-athlete experiences are at the center of Virginia Softball for generations,” Hardin said.
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Chris Graham
