Barnett Athletic Complex
2018
Formerly known as Barnett Athletic Field
In 2016, Florida Southern College announced the renovation of its on-campus athletic fields, which serve both Soccer teams, both Lacrosse teams, and the women's Softball team. Completion was scheduled for the end of 2017, but weather complications, including Hurricane Irma, delayed the project. In February 2018, the fields and facilities were completed and inaugurated with a ceremony led by President Anne Kerr. The softball field is named Chris Bellotto Field after Chris Bellotto (Class of 1980) who was Florida Southern's first ever Softball coach and led the 1993 team to the College's first NCAA Division II National Championship title in women's sports. Bellotto was also part of the inaugural class of Florida Southern Athletics' Hall of Fame and retired in 2020 after a long coaching career. Initially, the soccer and lacrosse field had been named Moccasin Field; however, in 2021, the field was dedicated to Trustee Dr. Keith Berend (Class of 1992). In 2020, the Barnett Athletic Complex also served as a training location for the USA Softball team in preparation for the 2020 Olympic Games. Team USA returned to train at the Barnett Complex in 2021 when the games were rescheduled.
Named for Hoyt W. Barnett, a long-time supporter and donor at Florida Southern College. Hoyt was born April 2, 1916, in Florida, United States. He spent time in the military before moving to Lakeland. Barnett was an ardent supporter of men’s basketball, attending most of the Florida Southern College games. He was a member of the Sixth Man Club and made many donations to benefit the men’s basketball program. Additionally, his family provided most of the funding for lights on the softball and soccer field. Barnett passed away in 1994, and the sports complex was named in his honor.
Sources:
Chris Bellotto Field
Berend Field