It’s a landmark moment for women’s college softball in the South, as two powerhouse programs—University of Georgia and University of North Texas—make headlines with major developments both on and off the diamond. September 15, 2025, saw the announcement of an expanded partnership between Georgia’s Own Credit Union and University of Georgia (UGA) Athletics, while the University of North Texas (UNT) softball program unveiled an ambitious 2025 fall schedule. These moves reflect the surging popularity and growing investment in women’s sports, with both institutions setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.
Let’s start in Athens, Georgia, where Georgia’s Own Credit Union, the state’s third-largest credit union, has upped the ante in its support for UGA women’s athletics. The centerpiece of this fresh agreement? For the first time in UGA’s storied history, a corporate partner’s logo will be painted on the field—specifically, outside the foul lines in the outfield at Jack Turner Softball Stadium. This bold move marks not just a first for UGA, but a milestone for women’s sports across the region.
“As we’ve seen through Caitlin Clark storming the WNBA and ESPN partnering with Athletes Unlimited Softball League, women’s athletics are driving fan interest nationwide at never-before-seen levels,” said Dave Preter, president and CEO of Georgia’s Own Credit Union. “Both of those leagues rely on stars forged at the collegiate level, so we are thrilled to be making a sizable investment in one of the best women’s college athletics programs in the nation.”
The expanded partnership isn’t just about logos and branding. Georgia’s Own Credit Union is now the presenting sponsor of the 2026 UGA softball team—a team that, under the guidance of Head Coach Tony Baldwin, drew a record 56,921 fans to Jack Turner Softball Stadium in 2025. That’s right, nearly 57,000 fans packed the stands, a testament to the electric atmosphere and high-level play that’s become synonymous with Georgia softball.
Coach Baldwin, now entering his fifth year at the helm, couldn’t hide his excitement. “What Georgia’s Own Credit Union has done here is tremendous for our program. To see softball at the center of this historic first for Georgia Athletics shows just how far the game has come and how bright the future is,” Baldwin said. “The investment Georgia’s Own is making in our team through a program-wide NIL deal not only provides awesome opportunities for our student-athletes, but it also validates the hard work, commitment, and excellence they bring to this University every day. This is a milestone moment for our program, and we’re grateful to Georgia’s Own for leading the way.”
There’s no doubt the Bulldogs are building on a legacy of excellence. The 2025 team came heartbreakingly close to its sixth trip to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, falling just one win short. With new resources and community support, expectations for the upcoming season are sky-high. And it’s not just softball that’s getting a boost—Georgia’s Own will also be increasing its visibility at football and men’s basketball games, as well as gymnastics and women’s basketball, with more digital signage at Stegeman Coliseum.
J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks put it plainly: “This partnership with Georgia’s Own Credit Union represents a significant moment for Georgia Athletics. To have the first on-field logos at UGA placed in support of women’s sports sends a powerful message about the value, visibility, and growth of our female student-athletes and programs. Georgia’s Own is not only investing in our tradition of excellence, but also in the future of women’s sports by helping us create a milestone that will be remembered for years to come.”
Georgia’s Own Credit Union, founded in 1934, has long provided full-service banking and financial solutions across Georgia, serving metro Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and beyond through 30 branch locations and a suite of digital banking options. Their commitment to community is evident in this historic partnership, which not only supports athletic excellence but also underscores the growing commercial interest in women’s sports nationwide.
Meanwhile, over in Denton, Texas, the University of North Texas softball program is gearing up for a fall season packed with high-caliber competition. Head coach Cody White announced a seven-game fall schedule, with a majority of the action set to take place at Lovelace Stadium. The Mean Green will host four NJCAA World Series participants, starting with Trinity Valley Community College on October 1 at 5 p.m.—a matchup sure to draw local fans eager to see how UNT stacks up against some of the best junior college talent in the country.
UNT’s only road contest will take them to North Central Texas College in Gainesville on October 8 at 6 p.m. But don’t worry, Denton fans—there’s plenty of home action left. Texas Women’s University will visit Lovelace Stadium on October 21 at 6 p.m., followed by a fall finale against Grayson College on October 29 at 6 p.m. And here’s a bonus for fans: admission to all fall games at Lovelace Stadium is absolutely free, making it easier than ever to support the Mean Green as they prepare for the spring campaign.
The full slate includes contests against some of the top NJCAA Division I and II World Series programs, such as McLennan Community College and Murray State College, with the schedule subject to change. It’s a savvy move by Coach White, giving his team a chance to test themselves against elite opposition and build momentum heading into the next NCAA season. With UNT softball’s recent performances against UAB, UTSA, Memphis, and Tarleton State still fresh in fans’ minds, anticipation is building for another competitive run.
These developments at Georgia and North Texas reflect a larger trend sweeping collegiate athletics: women’s sports are stepping into the spotlight like never before. Corporate partners are lining up to support female athletes, universities are investing in new facilities and promotional campaigns, and fan interest is reaching record highs. As Georgia’s Own CEO Dave Preter noted, “Women’s athletics are driving fan interest nationwide at never-before-seen levels.”
With Georgia’s Own Credit Union’s historic on-field logo and expanded sponsorship, the Bulldogs are poised to build on their tradition of excellence. Over in Denton, the Mean Green’s challenging fall schedule promises plenty of action and a chance for fans to rally around their team. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual fan, there’s never been a better time to catch the excitement of women’s college softball.
As the fall season approaches, all eyes will be on Jack Turner Softball Stadium and Lovelace Stadium, where the next generation of stars is set to shine. With community support, corporate investment, and a renewed focus on women’s sports, the future looks brighter than ever for college softball in the South.
