Case Study: Better Turf for Athletes Without Performance Infill

“A lot of shock is absorbed. [Pivot® turf] gives them better performance…
in terms of fewer injuries incurred by the end of the season.”
— Dr. Mimi Nartey, Head of Girls Soccer at Wiseburn Da Vinci School.

Case Study: Better Turf for Athletes Without Performance Infill



Background

When Wiseburn Da Vinci, a K-12 school system, needed a new soccer field, they weren’t just looking for a quick upgrade; they needed durable turf that could handle heavy year-round use. Located in El Segundo, CA, their teams compete in a competitive league, host exhibition matches, and lend the field to club teams, making performance and reliability essential. Additionally, they were looking for a solution that required less maintenance due to local water shortages. When it came to selecting the right turf, there was one clear winner: Pivot® Performance Turf.
The biggest draw? No performance infill.

Solution

Wiseburn Da Vinci wasn’t actively seeking to avoid turf infill in their new artificial grass field, but Pivot’s no performance infill design provided what mattered the most: safety, longevity, and playability, along with sustainability and reduced maintenance.

Pivot’s FIFA-certified system features a unique blend of durable sports fibers with new fibers engineered to replicate the movement and feel of natural grass. Without loose infill to scatter or compact, the surface remains consistent and reliable, resulting in better ball behavior and allowing athletes to move explosively, pivot quickly, and hit the brakes without hesitation. And Pivot’s documented data around impact, recoil, and shock absorption explains why users refer to the surface as “body friendly” and easier on the joints than other fields.

That performance is built to last. Pivot is an extremely durable turf and leads the industry with a 12-year warranty for 24/7/365 play, season after season, year after year. Additionally, because the system doesn’t rely on abrasive sand and infill, microscopic plastic pieces are less likely to enter the environment — an added sustainability benefit for a water-friendly field manufactured without added PFAS.

Maintenance is also reduced. Staff shared that they no longer need to clean up turf infill pellets after games, and no irrigation is required. Even after six to seven months of regular play without cleaning, they remark on how beautiful the durable turf field looks.

Results

Da Vinci Schools’ soccer teams split time between two fields, but the players notably prefer Pivot. They say it’s a significant improvement over other artificial grass fields, which now feel like concrete under their feet. But with Pivot, players claim it feels like they’re playing on natural grass.

According to athletes and coaches, the ball is easier to control and pass, and moves predictably across the surface. Pivot’s exceptional shock absorption also makes a difference. Players say it feels good on their joints and knees, and the school’s head coach credits the surface with supporting better performance and contributing to fewer injuries by season’s end.

Athletes also report a heightened sense of comfort and confidence to go in for challenges and play hard. The goalkeepers noted that they don’t hesitate to dive for the ball because the landings feel softer and result in fewer turf burns.

Conclusion

Pivot Performance Turf delivered the benefits Wiseburn Da Vinci School was looking for. Its intentionally engineered fibers and innovative design eliminate the need for traditional infill while providing the consistency, give, and grip of natural grass. The ball runs true, supporting the smooth, controlled play athletes rely on. The surface quality is year-round, regardless of weather or hours of use. And the best part? It doesn’t require the infill maintenance that legacy turf fields demand.

The investment is worth it; Pivot’s remarkably durable turf supports unlimited play and is backed by an unmatched 12-year warranty. That’s over a decade of athletes performing confidently and bringing their best to every match, all season long.

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