Nobody loves softball more than Jazlynn Ward. She stays with her favorite sport year round, either playing games or training for the next time she can get behind the plate. If she's not playing games, she's usually watching them, picking out her favorite college players and trying to emulate what they do.
She may have had favorite college players in the past, but next fall, she'll have a chance to be her own favorite college player. Ward signed a scholarship to attend Roane State Community College next season, opening up a path to continue with the game that she loves for at least two more years.
"When I did my visit at Roane, it felt like home," said Ward, who went through a long recruiting process as she wasn't going to give up the game that has been a part of her life since she was 4 easily. "It felt safe and it was the only college that I got that feeling at, so my decision was easy. I know coach Marty (McDaniel) will help me get to a good four-year program after my two years at Roane."
Ward has been a grinder for the last three seasons for the Lady Pioneers, doing any and everything coach Gooby Martin has asked of the athletic backstop. Ward was always quick to volunteer to do anything as a freshman, even if it meant just being a bullpen catcher or getting in as a pinch runner.
Her role started expanding as a sophomore and she really blossomed last year, helping Warren County reach sectionals while hitting .346 and driving in 16 runs. She also was a tremendous weapon behind the dish, cutting down six runners stealing and making just four errors during a 16-13 season for Warren County.
Martin was one of the many on hand to see Ward sign at school Friday and he was effusive in his praise for the work ethic that got the talented catcher a chance to make the next level.
"I'm proud of Jaz. She's such a good teammate, a hard worker and is very coachable," said Martin. "She's waited her time to play varsity and made the most of her opportunity. She's put in a lot of time outside of high school practices and it has paid off for her. She will represent our program well at the next level."
Ward follows in a long line of Lady Pioneers who have signed softball scholarships during Martin's tenure. Ward watched her former teammates go off and excel at the next level while also watching some of the best of the best compete for championships in Omaha. She noted that Kenzie Hansen, a star at Oklahoma and member of Team USA, is one of her favorite players - "she's a beast," said Ward - and now she gets a chance to compete at the next level.
"When I was about 13, I started watching college softball on TV and I knew that's what I wanted to do one day. I knew I wanted to play ball for as long as I could," said Ward, who plans to pursue a major in criminal justice and a future job with the DEA.
Now that her future is secured, Ward can begin focusing more on making her last season as a Lady Pioneer memorable. She's already been involved in a few unforgettable moments, but perhaps it's just the tip of the iceberg for her as a local softball standout.
"My favorite memory is definitely last year at Rhea County when we were battling it out in the rain to see who was going to play in the sectionals. It was a close game and we all gave it our best out in the pouring rain on that turf field. I loved that energy," said Ward.
Warren County has always loved the energy Ward brings. It won't be long before Roane State fans feel the same way.
