Clay has been part of the Ouachita Sportsplex team for eight years, and for him, the job is about more than tournaments and maintaining a sports complex. It’s also about the impact sports can have on the community.

“Along with being able to make an impact within our community, it’s rewarding to see the youth in our community grow, not only athletically but socially,” Clay said.

One of Clay’s favorite features of the Ouachita Sportsplex is its wagon-wheel design, which makes navigating the complex easier for teams and spectators. The park is divided into pods, with each featuring its own shaded bleachers, restrooms, concession stand, and covered upstairs viewing deck.

Those viewing decks are one of the features Clay is most proud of. Located in the center of each pod, they give spectators a shaded place to sit while still being able to see all four fields from one location, a major benefit for families with athletes playing on different fields.

The center of the park also features a covered picnic area overlooking both playgrounds, giving families a place to grab a bite, take a break between games, and still keep an eye on younger children.

And speaking of food, Clay says the Ouachita Sportsplex’s concessions may surprise visiting teams. The complex offers a variety of food options beyond what visitors may typically expect to find at a sports facility, adding another level of convenience for families spending a full tournament day at the park.

Over his eight years at EORD, Clay has helped welcome athletes and families for events of all sizes. When asked to choose a favorite, narrowing it down wasn't easy.

Among the events that stand out are the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series, Dixie Softball World Series, Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Southwest Regional Tournament, and ULM Softball's Best on the Bayou Classic.

That experience has helped the Ouachita Sportsplex team understand what it takes to support organizers throughout an event.

Clay also sees Monroe-West Monroe itself as an important part of the tournament experience. With Interstate 20 and the Monroe Regional Airport providing convenient ways to reach the area, teams can spend less time worrying about how to get here and more time enjoying their visit.

Once they arrive, Clay hopes visitors experience more than the ballpark.

“I hope they get to enjoy the great cooking, live music, and everything that makes our community what it is,” he said.

His recommendation? If you're visiting during crawfish season, find a local spot serving crawfish with live music and experience a little bit of Louisiana while you're here.

There's another side to Clay that visitors might not expect: he's also an award-winning singer-songwriter and recording artist. His music can be found on major streaming platforms, and you may even hear him on the radio. You can follow his music on social media at @claylabeffmusic.

Whether he's helping execute a tournament, supporting young athletes in the community, or performing on stage, Clay represents the kind of local connection that makes hosting an event in Monroe-West Monroe about more than simply finding a place to play.

At the Ouachita Sportsplex, planners aren't just booking fields. They're working with people who take pride in making their event the best it can be.