June 19, 2026
What began as a vision for a better future has become an incredible transformation for the home of Mayville State University Softball at Paul Karlstad Field in Portland, N.D.
In the summer of 2024, the field was filled with potential, lacking the amenities one might expect of a college facility, such as permanent dugouts, a finished backstop, and a consistent playing surface. This presented an opportunity: a blank canvas for building something special. With outstanding leadership and community support, that vision quickly began to take shape.
The first major step came in late July of 2024, when new dugouts were installed, thanks to the effort of Comets Softball Head Coach Jordan Olson’s dad, Dana Olson, along with Adam Hahnert and Thor Buildings. Their work not only added functionality, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter for the softball program.
Momentum continued into August as Coach Olson, her wife Andie, and Dana Olson took on the construction of a permanent backstop, a lofty project inspired Cory Erickson and the Hillsboro, N.D., field. In just ten days, a completed backstop was in place, an impressive milestone highlighted by dedication and collaboration.
Soon after, additional enhancements brought the field even closer to completion. Backstop padding was installed, and the Portland Park Board contributed new infield material, providing a safer and more consistent playing surface. By the time the team arrived for the Fall Semester of 2024, the home of the Comets was ready for use and greatly improved.
The commitment to improvement carried into the summer of 2025, when Jasper Jacobson of Jacobson Brothers led the effort to resurface the outfield with new grass. The work required time and persistence, and the result was a significantly enhanced field that elevated both playability and appearance.
In November of 2025, one of the most impactful upgrades was completed with the installation of a permanent outfield fence. Completed in just two days, the project was made possible in part by repurposing an old slow-pitch softball fence from center field, use of which saved both time and money. The new fence has eliminated the need for seasonal setup and teardown, streamlined maintenance, and brought a lasting sense of structure to the field. The addition of a black windscreen provided a polished, collegiate-level finish.
The final touch to the renovation project came after nearly a year of planning and support. In May of 2026, a brand-new scoreboard was installed. This was made possible through generous contributions from Tracy and Corey McGillis of Mayville, the Portland Park Board, and the Comets Softball Gold Glove Club (Jeff Eliason, president). The scoreboard now stands as the centerpiece of the facility and a symbol of the collaborative effort behind the transformation.
“I’m thankful for everyone who helped bring this vision to life,” said Comets Head Softball Coach Jordan Olson. “From my dad and my wife to the friends and supporters who showed up again and again, this was a true team effort and a labor of love. Our players and many others poured so much into this project which will not only benefit our program, but also the future of youth softball in the Mayville-Portland community. Knowing the generosity and selflessness that went into the transformation makes this field even more special.”
The transformation of Paul Karlstad Field was driven by the unwavering support of many dedicated individuals and organizations. The Portland Park Board - Brandy Edwards, Terry Tabor, Miranda Suchor, Merle Strand, and LaDonna Nelson - played a vital role, along with Thor Buildings’ Adam Hahnert and Thad Thorelson; Dana Olson; Andie Olson; Tracy and Corey McGillis; Jasper Jacobson and Jacobson Brothers; Comets Softball Gold Glove Club; Mayville State Athletic Director Rocky Larson; and the Comets softball players and Head Coach Jordan Olson, whose countless hours of work helped bring the vision to life.
Paul Karlstad Field is a shining example of what can be accomplished when opportunity is met with passion and partnership. What was once a field full of potential is now a point of pride, a field that embodies the dedication, talent, and spirit of Mayville State Softball.
“On behalf of the university, I thank Coach Olson, our student athletes, and everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality. The time, energy, and support poured into this project have created something truly special,” said Mayville State Athletic Director Rocky Larson. “This field will enhance the experience for our players, strengthen our ability to grow the program, and serve as a lasting point of pride for Comets Softball, Mayville State University, and the Mayville-Portland community.”
