Providence’s new soccer press box was dedicated in honor of soccer fan Kathy Brown last Tuesday ahead of the Pioneers’ girls’ rival game against Floyd Central.
Brown was married to local soccer coach Tim, and was the mother of Providence varsity team members, juniors Trent and Wade, as well as U10 Net-Surfer, Bailey. She died after a brave battle with colon and liver cancer in January.
“Kathy was a loving mother, faithful supporter of Providence and avid soccer fan,” said Pioneers girls’ coach Dave Smith.
Located a lot closer to the action than the previously used baseball press box, it will be blessed by Father Mathew Choorapanthiyil, resident priest and junior high theology teacher at Providence. A brass plaque will be affixed to the exterior in Brown’s honor.
The structure, which measures 28' x 14' and is two stories tall, contains a storage area on the ground floor, and a viewing area on the second floor to accommodate media, photographers, scorekeepers, timekeepers and announcers.
A new public address system and electronic LED scoreboard with wireless controls, which will serve both the soccer and baseball programs, have also been installed.
Construction of the edifice and other improvements was made possible through the generous donations of an anonymous benefactor. In fact, it was the donor’s suggestion to dedicate the box to the memory of Brown.
Kathy's husband, Tim, said he could not think of anything more fitting to honor his wife.
“All I can say is that we all -- Wade, Trent, Bailey and I -- are very honored to have the press box dedicated in Kathy's memory,” he said. “We would like to express our deep thanks to the anonymous donor for honoring her in this special way.
“The boys are honored to be playing in front of a press box dedicated to the memory of their mother, and Bailey hopes to play in front of it one day.”
Tim said that his wife’s courage fighting her cancer was “amazing.”
“Kathy was the ultimate soccer mom who touched a lot of people with her
positive and energetic can-do attitude,” he told Kick It this week.
“She got sick just before the start of the boys’ freshman year, so she really did not get much of an opportunity to support the boys’ soccer program. If she hadn’t have been sick, she would have been right in the middle of the action, working the gate or the concession stand.”
Tim said Kathy had colon cancer that had already gone to her liver before she was diagnosed.
“People should be screened at age 50, or earlier of there is family history of colon cancer,” he said. “Kathy was 47 when she was diagnosed and had no family history of it.”
Brown said the family is greatly appreciative of all of the support it has received
from Providence, Holy Family Church, friends, family, and the local soccer community.
*For more about Kathy and her battle with colon and liver cancer, check out: www.caringbridge.org/visit/kathybrown
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