Jacqui McLean '23 Recruiting Profile

For as long as I can remember I have always had a competitive drive. I thrive on competition and victory. Like many California kids, I started with soccer in preschool. Then progressed to gymnastics, swimming, basketball, volleyball, triathlons, and of course softball. Many people ask why I chose softball and its really pretty simple. No other sport provides the same mental, physical, athletic, and intellectual challenge that softball does. The game itself demands your attention both physically and mentally 100% of the time.

When I started playing at the age of 5 it was all about me, and what I could do to make the team win.

However, the third year I played softball was when I truly learned about the value of a team. A teammate was diagnosed with stage IV bone cancer. In an already difficult losing season, it seemed as though nothing could go right for our team. However, as her health declined our young team pulled together and found the fortitude to play for her and to win. From the bottom of the bracket, we rose to the top and seized the league championship.  In that year, I learned more about sportsmanship and team unity than many could learn in their lifetimes. I carry the memory of that season and my fallen teammate with me into the dugout every game I play.

As a hardworking student-athlete, I strive to maintain a 4.0. I look forward to being able to continue with my academics and athletics in a program that will support me as much as I will support it.