Carroll Community College Celebrates Successful Launch of the James D. Ball Athletic Complex with Strong Soccer Performances

Lynx Women’s Soccer Team Dominates Allegany 4-0 in First Home Match at New Complex;
Men’s Team Battles to Exciting 3-3 Draw

WESTMINSTER, Md.– Carroll Community College officially celebrated the opening of the James D. Ball Athletic Complex on September 17 with a community-wide kickoff event that brought together elected officials, donors, community partners, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and athletic supporters to recognize a transformative investment in student success and community engagement. The celebration marked the official start of the Lynx 2026 home soccer season.

The afternoon began with a faculty and staff “First Lap” around the new all-weather track before guests gathered for remarks highlighting the collaboration and partnership that made the project possible. The event celebrated the new synthetic turf field, all-weather track, stadium lighting, spectator amenities, and related infrastructure.

During the ceremony, Carroll Community College President Dr. Rosalie Mince emphasized the significance of the project as an investment in students, community vitality, and future generations. She noted that the complex represents more than a new athletic venue, serving as a place where students can develop leadership, teamwork, resilience, and accountability while strengthening connections throughout Carroll County.

Kenneth Kiler, Carroll County Commissioner for District 2, recognized the public-private partnership that helped bring the project to fruition and highlighted the opportunities the facility will create for students and community members alike. He praised the collaboration among government, education, philanthropy, businesses, and residents that transformed a shared vision into reality.

The complex is named in honor of Dr. James D. Ball, President Emeritus and the College’s third president. During his remarks, Dr. Ball reflected on the years of planning, advocacy, and generosity that made the project possible and thanked the many individuals and organizations whose support helped create a facility that will serve students and the community for generations. He also encouraged continued investment in education and student success through philanthropy, advocacy, volunteerism, and mentorship.

Following the celebration, the Carroll Lynx men’s and women’s soccer teams took the field for the first home matches of the season against Allegany College of Maryland. The men’s team battled to an exciting 3-3 draw, while the women’s team earned a decisive 4-0 victory, giving the Lynx a memorable debut on their new home field. The matches showcased the energy and enthusiasm surrounding the new facility and provided a fitting conclusion to a day centered on community pride, student achievement, and athletic excellence.

“The James D. Ball Athletic Complex represents what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision,” said Dr. Rosalie Mince. “This facility will provide opportunities for student athletes to compete, for students to connect and engage, and for our community to gather and celebrate for many years to come.”

The James D. Ball Athletic Complex stands as a lasting symbol of partnership, philanthropy, and investment in the future of Carroll County, supporting both student success and community engagement while strengthening Carroll Community College’s role as a destination for learning, connection, and opportunity.

PHOTO GALLERY: James D. Ball Athletic Complex Kickoff Event Photo Gallery

-END-

## Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu.