Jaimie Duffek, Senior Director of Partner Events
Drake University
(312) 610-6191
NCSA Marketing and Events
As a young girl, I enjoyed staying active and being involved in sports. I grew up with a passion for baseball specifically. It all started when I played tee-ball with the boys, which then led to playing softball. I have always had a competitive personality and decided to kick it up a notch and join a travel organization to build my skill set. Little did I know, that is when the road to playing college softball began!
I was a four-year varsity starter in the outfield at Riverside-Brookfield High School. I was named to the Chicago Tribune Top 50 High School players as a senior, as well as a two-time All-Area and All-League choice. However, my recruiting process was nothing short of chaotic and frustrating! Being the oldest child (guinea pig, as I generally refer to myself as), my family and I had no idea where to begin. I ended up playing with a competitive organization in Illinois that had me traveling every weekend of the summer and fall months. I missed school dances, friends’ birthday parties, family gatherings, etc., but competing on the ball field with my teammates made it all worthwhile.
I wanted to use softball as an opportunity to further my education in college. Both of my parents didn’t need four-year degrees for their careers, so this was a major milestone for me! I was never the 4.0 student-athlete, but I wanted to find a school that could complement my academic, social and athletic goals. I was recruited by all division levels but decided to continue my softball career as a scholarship athlete at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. At the time, I had no idea what Drake University could offer me until I stepped foot on campus and fell in love! I ended my career as an NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete and was also a member of The Missouri Valley Conference All-Tournament team my senior year.
After graduation and doing some soul searching, I found an internship opportunity with NCSA. My brother used the program for his baseball recruiting journey, so I was familiar with their brand and knew NCSA really embraced all the core values important to me. I have now been with NCSA for five years; it’s crazy to think I started as an intern! The best part of my job is the fact that I can give back to the sport that has been such a big part of my life for so long.
In my five years here, I have been fortunate that NCSA has allowed me to travel across the United States, participate in speaking engagements, coach but most importantly grow as an individual. I love being able to work with young women who aspire to make their mark! Helping student-athletes and their families navigate the recruiting process keeps me involved in the sport, but just in a different capacity.
