Weir softball field named to honor former coach
Roberta DeFrancis led team to two state championships
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WEIRTON -- When Weir High's softball team begins its season, its home field will carry the name of a long-time coach.
As part of its meeting on Feb. 12, the Hancock County Board of Education approved a recommendation to name the field, located near the entrance to the school's campus, in honor of former coach Roberta "Birdie" DeFrancis.
An initial announcement was made during the Jan. 27 boys city championship basketball game, with Superintendent Dan Enich naming DeFrancis a "Game Changer" and then announcing the honor.
"Ms. DeFrancis was really touched; really surprised," Enich said during the recent school board meeting. "She deserves it."
The field was built last year on an area once used as the school's north parking lot, with the project reaching substantial completion just in time to begin the 2023 softball season.
DeFrancis is a graduate of Follansbee High School and West Liberty University, who began her professional career at Weir High School in the early 1970s. When the school launched its softball program in 1975, DeFrancis was named its first head coach, leading the team's inaugural season to a 6-3 record.
Under her tutelage, the softball team would earn its first state championship in 1982.
She would take a break from coaching between 1991 and 1994, returning to guide the team back to a second state championship that year. An OVAC championship would follow in 1996, with the team earning a regional championship in 1997. It was DeFrancis' 20th and final year at the helm of the team.
Although she was no longer coaching, DeFrancis would continue her education career until her retirement in 2012.
In a letter to the editor published Sunday, DeFrancis said she never expected such a legacy, and was glad to see her accomplishments, and the accomplishments of the softball team, being recognized by Hancock County Schools.
"I had the good fortune to coach talented women athletes at a time when girls' sports often were overlooked," she wrote. "Obviously, this has changed, and Hancock County Schools is a shining example. I am so happy my name has been attached to Weir High School's commitment to women in sports. My heartfelt thanks to all."
Several of DeFrancis' former students and players were on hand for the announcement, hosting a reception for her following the city championship game and posting the sign naming the field for her on its outfield fence.
It is the second such honor announced by the school district in the last year. In August, Enich announced the Field of Dreams complex at Oak Glen High School, which features the school's baseball and softball fields, would be named after former Superintendent Suzan Smith.