Minnesota State softball team swings into action with Portolite mats

Potolite’s Softball Mats were field tested by the Mankato State Maverick softball team, a relationship that continues to blossom.

“They are so great on our bodies and keep us healthy,” said pitcher Mackenzie Ward.

“Leg fatigue can happen easily as a pitcher, so having these comfortable mats is important to keep the legs fresh,” she said. “They are a great pitching tool, and I would recommend them to anybody!”

Four years ago, Mankato head coach Lori Meyer gave Portolite owner Chad Hoppe tips as he developed a line of Softball Pitching Mats.

“He really listened to what we had to say. He paid attention to details,” Meyer said. “He saw baseball teams using his mats and mounds and thought softball players should have something too.”

The college bought six of those mats, which players use today.

“They are absolutely the best on the market,” Meyer said. She’s coached for 38 years, and said she did her research before making a purchase.

“Portolite’s genius was putting spikes on the back, so they stay in place on turf. They’re durable, yet light enough to move easily. I wouldn’t buy anything else.”

Hoppe’s enthusiasm for softball shined bright on Feb. 4-9,  when the MSU team opened its 2022 season at the Portolite & Field Turf MSU Invitational Softball Tournament in the Maverick All-Sports Dome.

Nine teams played multiple games throughout the weekend at the Portolite-sponsored event. And Hoppe came to watch them.

Mankato head coach Lori Meyer

“Chad cares about the games of baseball and softball,” Meyer said. “He cares about kids and sports. He cares about the product and how well it performs.

“You know with Portolite they are not just trying to sell you something. They really want it to work well for you and to help you.”

She remembers the days when crews designed their own mats, cutting squares of turf for pitchers to throw from.

“Pitchers were scared to pitch,” Meyer said. “They were worried the mats would move. They worried they wouldn’t land safely.”

Portolite launched a new line of Signature Game and Practice Mats this year. They come both with or without spikes for every playing surface.

Portolite Pitching Mound’s limited warranty says it all. Portolite has set the standard in lightweight, durable and portable pitching mounds since 1992.