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Elizabeth Jackson 2019

Softball Athletic Communications

Elizabeth Jackson Returns to Softball

When the Stetson softball team opens its 2019 season this weekend against Indiana State, Elizabeth Jackson will be returning to the softball diamond for the first time in three years. The Hatter junior has spent the first half of her collegiate career playing golf at Daytona State and Stetson. 

A two-sport star at Bloomingdale High School, Jackson received several offers to play collegiate softball.  One of those offers came from the University of Arkansas, and Jackson was more than happy to commit to the Razorbacks. 

"It was the coolest feeling in the world, like a weight being lifted off my shoulders," Jackson said about her decision. 

But then came a plot twist. Prior to formally signing with Arkansas, a second suitor came along in the form of Daytona State. While softball had always been her primary sport since the age of 8, golf had played a significant role in her life as well. 

"The decision really was softball or golf? I had two days to pick which sport I wanted to play. It was the toughest decision I have ever had to make. I waited up until the last possible second to make my choice."

After discussions with her family, Jackson chose to play golf at Daytona State. She liked the size of the school, got along well with the coach, and considered the prospects of a pro golf career. 

So Jackson hit the links for the Falcons, where she was a part of three national championship teams. During her team practices at LPGA, she caught the eye of Stetson women's golf coach Danielle Shelburne.

"I kind of lucked out with Stetson," Jackson said. "I took a visit right before our last tournament of the season. I knew as soon as I got here that this was somewhere I wanted to be. It was close to home, and the campus was not too big, but just perfect. It seemed very fitting for my personality."

Jackson spent this past fall competing for the Hatters. The thought of playing softball at the collegiate level, however, never left the back of her mind. 

"Every time I had a bad round, I would think to myself, 'Oh man, I should be playing softball.' Now, I enjoyed every aspect of Stetson golf. They were such an awesome group of girls and I can't say enough about Coach Shelburne and how supportive she was with everything. Still, there were always a few times where I said to myself, 'Darn, I miss softball.' But that's how it has always been." 

Instead of letting the dream disappear, Jackson brought her story to the Stetson softball coaching staff and was given the opportunity to join the program.

"I was just very fortunate that they let me come to the team," Jackson said. "I was very blessed." 

As a mid-year addition, however, Jackson was worried how the players would react to their new teammate. That concern was quickly alleviated during her very first strength training session when a several girls welcomed her right when she walked in the door. 

"I met 20 more girls, I have 20 more friends, and they've been so welcoming and helpful for anything I need," Jackson said. "They've been just so great to me." 

Jackson has spent much of preseason practice training in the outfield and working on her timing at the plate.  With the opening day nearly here, she is looking forward to putting on the Stetson uniform and competing with her teammates.

"Sometimes I forget it's been three years since I've actually done something like that so I'm sure there will be a lot of nerves going that day. It's cool that I have such a good team on my back."

What expectations does Jackson have for her first collegiate softball season? 

"At the end of the day, I'm just happy to be here and I'm blessed to have the opportunity to do what I've done, and I know that it's been a unique situation," Jackson said. "I'm going to try to enjoy it the best I can." 

The Hatters will host Indiana State for a three-game series beginning with a doubleheader at 1 p.m. Saturday.  Season and single-game tickets are on sale and be purchased online (GoHatters.com/tix) or by calling the Hatter ticket office at 386-738-HATS.

Fans can follow the Hatters all season long on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For immediate updates on news and scores, fans can sign up for the HatCheck text messaging service.

Coming Friday: 5 Things to know about Stetson Softball

 
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Players Mentioned

Elizabeth Jackson

#18 Elizabeth Jackson

OF
5' 3"
Junior
R/R

Players Mentioned

Elizabeth Jackson

#18 Elizabeth Jackson

5' 3"
Junior
R/R
OF