The Maryville University department of athletics announced that its soccer facility has been renamed Lonnie Folks Field. The official name change occurred during the Saints soccer home doubleheader Sunday, Oct. 5.
 
"I'd like to thank everyone at Maryville University for this incredible honor," Folks said. "To all of my teammates who played in front of me on this soccer field, I want to thank you all for being here. To all of the women's soccer players from 1983-96, thank you for all of the time, energy and effort you put into this program. This is absolutely humbling and I am truly honored."
 
"Renaming our soccer field to Lonnie Folks Soccer Field is a fitting tribute to a man whose unwavering commitment has touched every corner of Maryville University," Director of Athletics Brittany C. Fennell said. "This field dedication is more than just a name; it's a celebration of Lonnie's decades-long service to our university, our athletics department, and our greater community. Lonnie's leadership, integrity, and passion has set a standard of excellence, and this field will now forever remind us of his extraordinary legacy."
 
Folks, a foundational figure in the history of Maryville athletics, retired as the Director of Athletics at end of the 2023-24 academic year. A St. Louis native and Maryville alumnus of the John E. Simon School of Business, Lonnie Folks '82, '98, returned to the University when he was named the director of athletics and recreation in February 2018.
 
Folks has served Maryville and the Saints athletic community with distinction for nearly two decades. During his tenure at Maryville, Folks rose through the ranks to become assistant director of athletics and head coach for women's soccer and softball. He secured four conference titles, two conference tournament titles and moved women's soccer from a borderline club team to one that competes nationally. Folks also served as the head women's basketball coach and sports information director, confirming his transformative leadership has reshaped the landscape of Maryville athletics.