NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The remarkable growth of Christopher Newport University's athletic facilities will continue with the Vic Zodda Training Center, which is set for construction in the near future. The indoor facility will be utilized by CNU's baseball and softball programs, and will be constructed adjacent to the Captains' baseball field and directly across the street from the CNU softball complex.
 
The new athletic facility will become a reality thanks in large part to a generous family gift in memory of Vic Zodda, a longtime local business icon and baseball enthusiast. The gift enables the department of athletics to begin raising additional funds to support the construction and enhancement of the Vic Zodda Training Center.
 
Zodda, who died last year at the age of 99, was hired to work in the offices of the Brooklyn Dodgers after serving in World War II, and in 1950 became the President and General Manager of the Dodgers' minor league team in Newport News.
 
 "We are pleased to be able to honor a legendary figure in our community by naming this facility after Vic Zodda," Kyle McMullin, Director of Athletics, said. "His name will now be forever connected to our baseball and softball programs. The Vic Zodda Training Center will have a profound positive impact on our student-athletes for decades to come, and we are indebted to Vic's family and friends for their tremendous generosity."
 
Well known in the community during his remarkable business career, Zodda was heavily involved in serving his community. He was a Board Member for Mary Immaculate Hospital, Virginia Restaurant Association, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Peninsula Economic Development Council, First Peninsula Bank and Dominion Bank. Zodda also was an active member of CIAO (Colonial Italian American Organization), and was a founding member of Peninsula Sales and Marketing Club and President of Peninsula Sports Club. Of all his accomplishments, he was most humbled to receive the Citizen Award from The National Conference of Christians and Jews.
 
Christopher Newport's baseball and softball programs have consistently produced successful squads, and both have competed regularly in the NCAA Division III Tournament. This past spring, the softball program won its first National Championship.
 
"The construction of the Vic Zodda Training Center will make all the difference for our program," Christopher Newport Baseball Coach John Harvell said. "Being a spring sport, weather often interrupts our schedule. Having the luxury of a first-class facility to train indoors will undoubtedly improve our development and empower our success."
 
Zodda led the Newport News minor league team, known as the Baby Dodgers, from 1950 until 1953, when he decided to try his hand in the restaurant business. The amazing success that followed lasted for many years and in 1965, Zodda was named Outstanding Restauranteur in the State of Virginia.
 
Zodda's association with the restaurant at the Holiday Inn in Hampton opened the door for a new venture, and in 1975 he established Victor Management Company, a hotel management company. By 1985, VMC was managing over 34 hotels and was listed as the 15th largest management company in the United States, employing over 3,000 area residents.
 
"This new facility will be such a gift for our student-athletes," Softball Coach Keith Parr said. "The Vic Zodda Training Center will add so much to the experience of being a CNU softball athlete. We are excited to soon have a dynamic facility that will allow us the opportunity to get better each and every day, regardless of Mother Nature."
 
The Vic Zodda Training Center will be constructed and available for student-athletes in 2023.
 
For more information about supporting this new training facility, contact Mary-Margaret Wells, Director of Parent Giving and Athletics Giving, at: (757) 594-8590. All funds raised in support of the Vic Zodda Training Center will be used to enhance the structure and equipment available for use by our students.
 
MAKE A GIFT NOW!
 
Make a gift by mail:
 
Make checks payable to CNUEF, to the following address:
 
Office of University Advancement
Christopher Newport University
1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606
 
Write "Zodda Project" in the memo field.