RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Jenna Gibson has established herself as one of the most prolific softball players from the state of Missouri.
The future elementary school teacher has done the same in the classroom and in her community. It all culminated with the Oklahoma Athletics 16U Premier-Madden pitcher/first baseman recently committing to Memphis.
Gibson, who plays for Southland High of Cardwell, MO, where she led the state in six categories in 2019, covered her recruiting journey best in her own words in this commitment letter which she posted on Twitter earlier this month and articulately thanked everyone who helped on her softball journey:
💙🌟 My Commitment Letter 🌟💙 @16uOk @Los_Stuff @ExtraInningSB @OKAthleticsAcad @NSR_Softball @RobbyWilsonNSR @rickcowan68 @SoftballConnect @StriveSoftball @NataliePooleUM @jalott32 @CoachHelz pic.twitter.com/yeJzOvEhx3
— jenna faith gibson (@GibsonSoftball) March 5, 2020
“Wow. Where to even begin. I started this journey about 11 years ago, and I have had some of the best memories of my life. Softball isn’t just a sport. It’s a passion and a love for something bigger than yourself. Softball has taught and given me many, many things. I’m so excited, but more importantly blessed to announce that I will be furthering my academic and athletic career at the University of Memphis.”
“Thank you to literally everyone who has played a part in molding me into the player and person I am today. Ultimately, I want to thank God for giving me the ability to play the sport I love. I wouldn’t be anywhere I am today without his love and favor in my life.”
“Now, it’s back to where it all began. Thank you to my Sweet Heat coaches, Bart McAtee and Michael Williams. I pitched my first game for you guys, not having one single idea on how to start a pitch. Thank you both for giving me the opportunity to look silly in the circle because that ignited my drive to do great things in my circle. Thank you, Coach TJ for seeing something in me at 10U tryouts for Dirt Mafia. I did absolutely terrible pitching that night, but still you saw a spark in me, and for that, I am forever grateful.”
“To my first pitching coach, Chris Wake — thank you for all that you’ve done for me. I wouldn’t be the pitcher I am today without you teaching me knowledge for the position at such a young age. You have been an instrumental part in my softball career.
“Next, thank you to Shug Henson, Kevin McCaig, Billy Finley, Scott George and Claire Alberius for showing me the kind of coaches I wanted to be under in college. You all showed me how to become my best self. I learned so much at an early age about commitment, execution and how to love the game. I may not see or talk to you all, however I hope you all know the impact y’all have had on my life.
“Also, an extra thank you to Kevin (Keg) McCaig for being my hitting coach after my time with the Angels. I appreciate everything you have done for me. I know I can be hard-headed at times, but you never fail to keep me grounded. You and your family are family to me.
“Thank you to my past and current high school coaches, Coach Shearer and Coach Schatzley. Y’all have shown me how to be a leader. Thank you for going the extra mile. Thank you to all the teammates I’ve ever played with. It’s because of y’all I’ve learned that through thick and thin, my girls are who have my back. I’ve learned to love the game through the weight of it being on my shoulders. A special thanks to anyone who has ever caught me — games and/or practices. We are a team. I wouldn’t be able to do my job without you guys, so thank you.
“Thank you to Tim White, Brent Johnson and Brian Madden for letting me be a part of such an amazing organization. Playing for the A’s has brought me some of the best friendships. I’m so lucky to wear A’s blue and represent such an incredible organization that is more like a family to me.
“Thank you to my current pitching coach, Marty Renfroe. You have broken me down and fixed me. I wouldn’t be anywhere near the pitcher I am today without you. The pride you have for the game is unmatched. I’m so blessed to have you as a pitching coach, but also as a lifelong friend.
“Thank you to my family. You guys have shown me true love. Y’all have always supported me, no matter the occasion. From Julia catching me when we were younger and critiquing me, to Trace saying, ‘You’re terrible’ then in videos you hear him say, ‘That’s gone.’ I love you all so dearly and I couldn’t have been more blessed with a better family.
“Thank you to my NSR scout, Robby Wilson. He may be my scout, but he is definitely family. We’ve fussed, argued, made up, made fun of each other, helped each other and motivated each other. You have been such a blessing to my family and I. Thank you for playing such a vital role in my recruiting process.
“Lastly, thank you to Coach (Natalie) Poole, Coach Helen (Pena), and Coach (Andy) Lott for seeing something in me. Memphis feels like home and I can’t wait to be in the 901. I’m so grateful for such an amazing opportunity. It’s Memphis vs errrrrrbody, so y’all get ready.”
*****
RECRUITING SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Jenna Gibson
Hometown: Arbyrd, MO
High School: Southland High of Cardwell, MO
Club Team: Oklahoma Athletics 16U Premier-Madden
Graduation Year: 2021
Height: 5-foot-8 1/2
Position: P/1B
Nickname: Jen, Juggernaut, JFG and JG
Twitter: @GibsonSoftball
Honors: Won gold medals in every class — English, Math, Science, Ag, PE and Government; 4.11 GPA; Student Council VP (Junior Year); Beta Club (Sophomore and Junior); FCA (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th); FFA (9th, 10th and 11th); Red Hots (9th, 10th and 11th); FBLA (9th, 10th and 11th); Library Club (9th, 10th and 11th); Project Grad Committee (9th, 10th and 11th); Prom Committee (11th); FTA (9th, 10th and 11th); ACT 23; Class Treasurer (9th, 10th and 11th); and Class Rank #1.
High School Highlights/Stats: Tri County Conference Player of the Year (2018 & 2019); 1st Team All-Conference (2018 & 2019); 1st Team All-District (2018 & 2019); District Pitcher of Year (2018 & 2019); led in five Missouri High School Softball Categories; 1st Team All-Region Pitcher (2019); Stats for 2019: 131 Ks in 67 innings pitched, 1.07 ERA and batted .815 with six HRs, 1.704 slugging percentage and .881 on-base percentage.
Travel Ball Highlights/Stats: Batted .364 with a .490 OBP and went 10-0 with a 1.89 ERA and 40 Ks this past fall … #114 in the Class of 2021 and #52 pitcher in the Class of 2021 by Extra Inning Softball.
*****
Can you talk about your recruiting journey?
My recruiting journey didn’t really begin until just before my freshman year. I’d always played softball and knew I wanted to play in college, but I had not played at the level needed to be seen by college coaches I thought I might want to play for. I played for a small local organization for four years where I was blessed with wonderful coaches who pushed us to be our best, leading us to win two World Series Championships, several state championships, as well as many other tournaments.
As we got older, interests began to change and my team eventually dissolved. The hunt for a team who wanted to play in front of college coaches was on. I went to several camps, filled in with other teams to finish the summer, and met many new people along the way. That fall I joined the Oklahoma Athletics organization. Just before my freshman year, we also learned about NSR, and Robby Wilson became my scout. He helped me so much with the recruiting process. He taught me how to communicate with coaches and how to figure out exactly what I was looking for in a program. It was important to me to take my time in making a decision because I wanted to be certain I was doing what was best for my family and me.
*** To read more about Jenna (including her must-take college item), scroll down below…