I Committed: Jaley James’ North Texas Dream Comes True

Jaley James wasted no time when September 1^st finally arrived.

The catcher and utility player for EPIC 18U National—Smith announced her commitment to North Texas University the next day after visiting the campus and receiving an offer from Head Coach Rodney Delong.

“My aspirations have been to play softball at the collegiate level ever since I stepped on the field at age seven,” shared Jaley. “As I watched my older sisters play at the collegiate level, my desire to play got even stronger.”

Due to a shoulder injury, Jaley’s 2022 high school season was cut short. However, through her commitment to recovery and getting back on the field, she helped her Grandview High School team to the UIL 3A State Semifinals and was named 3A-2^nd Team Blue Bell/TSWA All-State Softball Team for her performance at shortstop, All-Johnson County Defensive Player of the Year, and 17-3A All-District Defensive Player of the Year.

Jaley also excels in the classroom, receiving the title of NFCA All-American Scholar-Athlete, 17-3A All-District Academic, and NHSCA Academic All-American.

With her junior year approaching, Jaley made sure to make an impact on the field this summer. Competing against the toughest competition across the country, she batted .377 and had an on-base percentage of .440. Additionally, Jaley maintained a .933 fielding percentage.

“My top recruiting choice has always been North Texas and I’ve taken the first step in making my dream a reality,” the 2025 commit commented. “The coaches are remarkable, and I like their coaching style. The university has a dedicated athletics department that supports the all-around well-being of their athletes, both physically and mentally.

Jaley was impressed with the program’s repertoire of physicians, chiropractors, sports psychologists, and therapists for the athletes to utilize, and was really drawn in by the elite performance of the Mean Green team.

“UNT has a competitive softball program and I am so thrilled to have been chosen to be a part of it after I graduate. GO MEAN GREEN!”

Jaley will graduate from Grandview High School in the spring of 2025. She will join North Texas on the field that fall and plans to earn her degree in Kinesiology.

— Regan Weekly/Extra Inning Softball

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