Memphis' soccer and track and field teams are getting a new home that will be named after former Tigers soccer player Eliza Fletcher.

Tigers officials made the announcement on Tuesday at the site of the stadium, currently called the Track and Soccer Complex. The new stadium will be called Liza Wellford Fletcher Stadium. Fletcher played for the Tigers from 2006-07.

"I am truly overwhelmed with all kinds of emotion," said Memphis women's soccer coach Brooks Monaghan.

Fletcher was abducted and killed in 2022 in a case that drew national attention. Monaghan told his players about it while they were on the road, first talking about the situation and then telling them that Fletcher had once played for the Tigers. They dedicated the rest of the season to her memory.

"She didn't get caught up in the little things," Monaghan said. "She just put her head down and worked her tail off. And people followed her. And that's what it takes to win championships. Even though she wasn't wearing a captain's band, she kind of led the charge with just what it takes to win."

Tuesday's event included numerous university officials and dozens of current athletes. The new stadium will benefit the Tigers' men's and women's soccer teams and the track and field team, which all call the current stadium home.

The initial phase of the project includes a goal to raise $7 million and will eventually include a new grandstand, press box and locker room areas for the teams. More information about Fletcher and the project can be found at Lizaslight.org.

How new stadium will impact Memphis athletics

Ed Scott, who took over as Memphis' AD last month, said the facilities were in need of significant upgrades, something Monaghan has echoed.

"I toured their locker room," Scott said. "And I said to Brooks afterward: 'I knew you were good, but I didn't know you were that good. I wouldn't come play for you with that locker room.'"

The Tigers are ranked No. 8 in the country and are coming off back-to-back appearances in the Sweet 16.

The first phase of the project will focus on the women's team, but there are plans for new areas for the men's soccer team and track and field team. While there's no timetable to start the renovations, officials said they're hopeful it won't be too long.

"It's been a dream for a while," Monaghan said. "It's a reality now."

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis' new soccer, track stadium will be named after Eliza Fletcher