The University of Memphis is paying homage to Eliza Fletcher, a local mother and teacher whose life ended tragically, by naming its new soccer and track stadium in her memory. The Liza Wellford Fletcher Stadium campaign, bolstered by support from the Liza’s Light University of Memphis Soccer and Track Stadium Fund, aims to transform a community's grief into a pillar of inspiration. “This facility will be more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a tribute to the passion, resilience and community spirit that Liza embodied,” Brooks Monoghan, the Head Women’s Soccer Coach, told Action News 5.
With a fundraising goal fixed at $7 million, the project is set to ensure that both men's and women's soccer and track and field teams at the university have access to top-tier facilities. These would include a grandstand and press box, among other amenities. “The Liza Wellford Fletcher Stadium is a symbol of the dedication, resilience and community that Liza embodied every day,” Monoghan stated in a press release sourced by Local Memphis. This development will provide more than 100 student-athletes with the resources to pursue to fiercely compete and succeed in their athletic endeavors.
The naming of the stadium comes two years after a harrowing episode shook the Memphis community. Eliza Fletcher was abducted while on an early morning jog near the university campus on September 2, 2022. Despite a massive search effort, her body was found only days later. The tragic event gave rise to initiatives like Liza’s Light, aimed at not only preserving her legacy but also uplifting the athletic community she was part of. "It’s turning something horrible that happened that shook this community and turn it into something positive for her family, for our program, positive for Memphis,” Monoghan commented in a discussion with Action News 5.
The man accused of Fletcher's abduction and murder, Cleotha Abston, was apprehended a day after the incident. Evidential DNA collected on a pair of sandals found near the scene led to his arrest. He is now awaiting a trial scheduled for February 2025, as reported by Local Memphis. In the wake of the announcement, the university has urged the community to support the project, offering naming opportunities and various ways to get involved, which can be found at lizaslight.org or by contacting the campaign through email at [email protected].
Continuously demonstrating a propensity for honoring those who leave strong legacies, the University of Memphis has chosen to permanently honor Fletcher's memory through the Liza Wellford Fletcher Stadium. With this commemorative move, the university not just acknowledges Fletcher's impact but also aims to inspire future generations of athletes. Details of the ongoing campaign and fundraising efforts were also covered by The Daily Memphian.
