Atlanta’s own professional women’s softball team, the Atlanta Smoke, played its first home series of the 2025 season at Oglethorpe University over the July 4 weekend — the very first time the back-to-back Women’s Professional Fastpitch League champions have played a regular season game in their new home city.
The team faced off against the New York Rise at Hermance Stadium, where Oglethorpe president Kathryn McClymond welcomed the teams and helped commence the games.
Ultimately, the Smoke emerged victorious in all three bouts, defeating the Rise 10-4, 8-6 and 5-1.
Formerly of Austin, Texas, the Smoke found a new home in Atlanta this year, bringing a history of excellence to Georgia’s celebrated sports landscape. The team is co-owned by former Major League Baseball All-Star Brandon Phillips and WWE wrestler and entrepreneur Jade Cargill.
The sprawling stadium seating and intricate stone architecture of Hermance Stadium make it one of the university’s most iconic landmarks; it’s often the first thing visitors see of campus. Hermance is home to the Stormy Petrels baseball team, which boasted a seven-game winning streak during the most recent Spring season. Many Stormy Petrels keep the excitement at Hermance going by joining up with the Brookhaven Bucks, a collegiate baseball team that also plays at the stadium.
The exciting three-win weekend from the Smoke was a thrilling addition to the university’s summer athletics schedule. With several more games from the Bucks coming up this month, sports fans can consider Oglethorpe a top destination for summer sports.
