Carlsbad, CA – Army and Navy Academy is honored to announce an impactful $2.5 million gift from philanthropists and entrepreneurs Dave and Cheryl Duffield. The contribution will support the long-term preservation and enhancement of the Duffield Sports Complex – originally dedicated on October 5, 2013 – and continue its legacy as a hub for athletic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement.
The Duffield Sports Complex stands as one of the Academy’s most impressive landmarks, serving as both the home field for Warrior athletics and a shared space for the greater Carlsbad community.
“This generous gift from Dave and Cheryl Duffield ensures that the Duffield Sports Complex will continue to inspire excellence for generations of Cadets and community members alike,” said Barry Shreiar, President of Army and Navy Academy. “The Duffields’ commitment to education, leadership, and service reflects our own mission of shaping young men into leaders of virtue and purpose. We are deeply grateful for their vision and enduring partnership.”
A visionary engineer and entrepreneur, Dave Duffield has founded six business software companies, including PeopleSoft and Workday, both global leaders in human resources and financial management software. His other ventures include Integral Systems, Business Software Corporation, Information Associates, and his latest company, Ridgeline, a modern technology platform for the investment management industry.
Beyond professional success, the Duffields are known for their philanthropy and compassion. Together, they co-founded The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, Liberty Dogs, and Maddie’s Fund, organizations dedicated to improving companion animal well-being and/or the quality of life for Veterans with disabilities. Their generosity also extends to advancing education and research at institutions like Cornell University, Dave Duffield’s alma mater, where Duffield Hall stands as a center for nanotechnology innovation. Two of the Duffields’ sons attended Army and Navy Academy, deepening the family’s connection to the school and its mission.
In addition to serving the Academy, the Duffield Sports Complex plays a vital role in the Carlsbad community:
Hosting the annual Veterans Day Parade and Review in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of Carlsbad, the largest Veterans Day celebration in the city, drawing over 1,000 community guests. This year marked its 17th anniversary.
Serving as the North County Relay for Life venue for the American Cancer Society for the past two years.
Providing a graduation venue for local charter schools and celebrating the achievements of students across the region.
Utilized during the summer months by more than 20 non-profit organizations for sports clinics, music camps, and overnight youth programs.
Partnering with youth, semi-professional, and professional sports organizations for basketball, football, and soccer practices and clinics throughout the school year.
“The Duffields’ generosity strengthens not just the Academy but the broader Carlsbad community,” added Shreiar. “Their belief in giving back reflects the very values we teach our cadets. The Duffield Sports Complex has become a true community cornerstone, bringing people together through sports and shared purpose.”
About the Duffield Sports Complex
Dedicated in 2013, the Duffield Sports Complex spans more than 27,000 square feet of athletic facilities designed to serve Cadets and the community alike. The stadium, with turf field and seating for 750 spectators, hosts football, soccer, baseball, and lacrosse competitions as well as major campus ceremonies. The press box and concessions area, located at midfield, features approximately 2,000 square feet of space with restrooms, a ticket office, and a covered arcade. The upper level houses an announcer’s booth and executive suite overlooking the 50-yard line.
The gymnasium – used for basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and assemblies – includes seating for 650, locker rooms, a training and recovery room, wrestling room, and a modern weight facility. The second floor accommodates the athletic director’s office, film and meeting rooms, and an Esports space.
These facilities provide an exceptional environment for student-athletes to train, compete, and collaborate, while serving as a resource for community programs and events throughout the year.
About Army and Navy Academy
Army and Navy Academy is a private boys’ military boarding school serving grades 7-12 and located in Carlsbad, California. For over 115 years, we have been a transformational force in boys’ education, delivering a college preparatory curriculum grounded in leadership, virtue development, and academic excellence. As a certified Gurian Center for Educational Excellence, we apply neuroscience-backed strategies (Boy-Brain science) to align with the development of the male brain. Every element of our program is built for boys – structured, hands-on, and deeply relational.
For more information about the Army and Navy Academy, please visit www.armyandnavyacademy.org.
