A SOFTBALL STAR

January 2023

BY CODY DALTON

2023 was a monumental year for the Catawba Valley Community College Softball program, which set numerous records on its way to the program’s first national ranking, plus Region 10 regular season runnerup finishes and tournament runner-up finishes, with a 44-8 win loss record overall.

For Jillian Jones, Red Hawk softball student-athlete, this year was just as momentous. An All-Conference CVCC pitcher, Jones became the first Red Hawk Softball player to sign with a four-year university and confirm the continuation of her athletic career at the University of Virginia College at Wise upon her graduation from CVCC in the Spring of 2023.

Just two years ago, when she was in high school, Jones wasn’t sure that competing in collegiate softball was even possible.

“Going to CVCC was probably the best decision I could’ve made,” Jones said. “After the pandemic, it was really tough finding somewhere to go, and CVCC gave me that hope again. [The College] helped me gain the experience I needed to play at the next level, and it has allowed me to come into a new school and just jump right in.”

Jones made the most of her opportunity, finishing her Red Hawk softball career as one of the best pitchers in program history.

She tallied a 34-6 overall record on the mound, including 16 complete games, and a 1.84 ERA — the lowest in ERA in Red Hawk program history. Her 34 wins are also tied for the most wins in program history.

Additionally, Jones struck out 180 batters, including 108 during her sophomore season. Her play in spring 2023 earned her first team Region 10 honors as a pitcher. Not only was Jones stellar on the softball diamond, but she was even more impressive in the classroom. She earned multiple Region 10 All-Academic honors and also became the first Red Hawk Softball player to be named College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish my CVCC career,” Jones said. “We achieved so many special things as a program, and those will always be remembered. With all the amazing girls I had behind me, I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better season, and it truly was a blessing that I could end it with so many wonderful people.”

Jones hopes that her softball journey from CVCC to the four-year level will inspire future Red Hawks to chase their athletic callings. “I hope, with me being the first signee, it will show people that you don’t have to go to a big school right out of high school to be successful,” she said. “I also want to show future players at CVCC or girls that want to play at CVCC that it can happen, and you can still live out your dreams starting at a community college.”