When Ed Scott was interviewing for Memphis' athletic director job in 2024, he found himself at the Peabody Hotel.
He was there to interview over breakfast with Chris Doerr, the men's tennis coach, and Brooks Monaghan, the women's soccer coach.
Monaghan, true to form, was blunt with his expectations.
"All I can ask is that you treat me fair and don't screw this thing up," Monaghan said to him.
The thing he didn't want screwed up was the renovation of Memphis' soccer stadium, a project that reached an emotional highpoint on Sept. 21 when Memphis officials held a groundbreaking event for what will be Liza Wellford Fletcher Stadium. The stadium will be named for Eliza Fletcher, who played for the Tigers from 2006-07.
Fletcher was abducted and killed
in 2022 in a case that drew national attention.
The project was first announced more than two years ago, just after Scott officially started as Memphis' AD. More than $8 million has been raised in the ensuing two years. Scott said there isn't a timeline to complete the project but that there would be progress soon.
"We have a simple mission here at the athletic department, and that's to close the gap," Scott said, referencing a slogan from football coach Charles Huff. "And this facility will certainly allow us to do that."
Since Scott took over as AD, there have been multiple stadium renovation projects in the works. The $226.5 million renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium was recently completed, and the soccer stadium project is now moving forward as well.
The new stadium will transform the entire soccer program, Monaghan said. It'll have new locker rooms, a new practice facility and new offices for coaches. The stadium itself will have bleachers and a press box.
"In regards to the facility and where our kids will go in every day, it's going to be one of the nicest in the country," Monaghan said. "Literally we're going to be going from one of the worst to one of the best."
Monaghan's program has long been Memphis' most consistent winning team. The Tigers routinely go to NCAA tournaments and win conference championships, but they've been doing that without the recruiting advantages that the new stadium will give them.
The new stadium will also be a boost to men's soccer and track teams. Athletes from both soccer teams were in attendance at the groundbreaking event alongside university officials.
"It's easy to say it means everything," Monaghan said. "But in my position it does. Not only are our girls getting a place to truly call home, but at the same time being able to honor Liza. For me, it's the perfect day. Just to be a part of this whole thing and to honor such a special young lady, it's hard to put into words."
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why Liza Wellford Fletcher Stadium groundbreaking was 'perfect day' at Memphis
