Gainesville Softball Complex Credited to Cindy Boulware

The athletic director for Gainesville High School, Cindy Boulware, was honored in a ceremony Tuesday night. While her retirement was made public, the crowd was also informed that the GHS softball complex would now take on the name “CJ Boulware Softball Complex”.

Phillip Knight, who is now the head coach for the boys golf team at Gainesville high, will take Boulware’s place as Athletic Director. He spoke highly of her at the ceremony before the game, alluding to her humility.

“Cindy only asked two things of me before tonight. The first being that this must remain lowkey, and the second that she does not have to speak.”

About Boulware

Cindy Boulware attended Gainesville High School, graduating in 1977. During her time as a student she earned eight varsity letters and was most notably a standout on the softball team. After graduation she attended Flagler College for two years where she played basketball and softball. Then, Boulware transferred to the University of Florida where she also played softball.

In the 1983-84 school year, she was hired back at GHS and has remained there ever since. During this 40 year period, she has coached basketball, softball and volleyball, and has been the athletic director for the past 20 years.

As a volleyball coach, her team reached ten final four’s and went to three state championships. She was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame in 2012.

Next Steps

Boulware received a plaque that read “The CJ Boulware Softball Complex, in honor of coach CJ Boulware who competitively excelled as a player, teacher, coach, and athletic administrator for 42 years at Gainesville High School, retiring in June, 2022.”

There will be a replica of the plaque presented at the softball complex as well as a sign on the scoreboard in recognition of all that she has done for GHS.

Phillip Knight gave all glory to Boulware when he executed his final remarks on her duties at Gainesville High.

“We could talk about wins, losses, or how many times she has drug this field or mowed the outfield; maybe even how much she has swept the gym floor. But the one thing we will never be able to explain is the impact she has had on so many different people during her career here, or the number of lives she has touched.”

Final Remarks

Boulware said she decided to retire after the pandemic shifted her perspective on time. She said she wants to sit back and relax with family and friends. She also wanted to find satisfaction in ending a great career as a student, athlete, coach and teacher. Boulware added that with retirement brings more time to watch Florida Softball.

Following the ceremony, the Hurricanes fell to the Trenton Tigers, 9-2.