About the Fund
When family members and friends remember Denise, two words come up over and over – softball and passion. She grew up in Greenacres City, and began playing softball there when the Lassie League was first formed. Denise’s passion for softball grew more intense through the years, and at the age of 20, she was elected president of the Southwest Area Athletic Association Lassie League – the youngest person ever chosen for the job. She played in women’s leagues, co-ed leagues and was even approached by a professional team. Denise would have continued playing the game she loved, if she was not diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 42. Her legacy continues through this scholarship.
“I love softball. I think it’s a great activity for young people to get involved in. If I can keep them interested in this it might keep them away from something else that might not be good for them. “
– DENISE PADGETT, 1985
“I’ve known Denise for 17 years. She was a very devoted employee and was actively involved with softball and youth sports. The city felt it was fitting that we name the field after her. She spent about every spare moment she had over there. We want people to remember her and what she did for the city. “
– SAM FERRERI
MAYOR OF GREENACRES, 2001
“The ballfield was the perfect place for her. She could manage, coach, and play any position. She kept the entire ballpark laughing. She kept the umpires’ and scorekeepers’ spirits high. Whether you were on her team or playing against her, team, your felt the F-U-N. ”
– ANGIE PEACOCK, 2001
