De Queen, AR – [07/29/2024] – The University of Arkansas Cossatot (UA Cossatot) is thrilled to announce the acquisition of its new soccer complex, which will now be known as The Colts Soccer Complex. Previously recognized as Samaritan Fields, this facility will serve as the home for the UA Cossatot Lady Colts and Colts soccer teams starting this fall.
UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the purchase: "We are obviously excited to take this giant step in creating a soccer tradition at UA Cossatot. This will be our second year playing NJCAA soccer and now having our own soccer complex is just tremendous for our student-athletes. We have already begun the process of developing the field, with new fences, a water system, scoreboards, and working on the turf to have it practice and game-ready this fall. We will eventually have a manager for the Soccer Complex so we can better schedule UA Cossatot soccer events, but also to leave room for special player camps and select tournaments along the way. We want the UA Cossatot Colts Soccer Complex to be a shining star for De Queen and Southwest Arkansas, a place deserving of a world-class soccer complex.”
Samaritan Fields founder, Esteban Ochoa, had this to say about the passing of the torch to UA Cossatot, “It's been a dream. We know with UA Cossatot's assistance, the talent that is here in this area will now have a place to call home at the next level. Hopefully the community will get behind this effort and enjoy the hard work, dedication, and the love that has been put into this place.”
Madelyn Jones, Foundation and Advancement Director, praised EO and the community for making this dream a reality, “EO has done a wonderful job rallying the community to support Samaritan Fields financially. UA Cossatot is committed to continuing its fundraising efforts to secure the financial support needed to create facilities that our community and college will be proud of, as well as to provide athletic scholarships for UA Cossatot men’s and women’s soccer players. Local businesses and organizations interested in scoreboard sponsorship opportunities, monetary donations, or capital gifts should contact Madelyn Jones, Director of Foundation and Advancement, at 870-584-1172.”
The first action on the newly acquired field will take place on August 17th, featuring an exciting red vs. white scrimmage game between the Lady Colts and Colts teams. The season will officially kick off on August 22nd, with UA Cossatot welcoming Connors State University for the home opener.
We invite the community to join us in supporting our Lady Colts and Colts this season. With dedicated student-athletes and a state-of-the-art facility, we are poised for a successful season. Your presence and encouragement will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant and thriving soccer culture at UA Cossatot.
UA Cossatot embraces diversity and is committed to improving the lives of those in our region by providing quality education, outstanding service, and relevant industry training.