Senior Reflection: Jackie Bates
May 01 | Softball
SENIOR PROFILE: Jackie Bates
As the regular season draws to a close, Rutgers softball reflects on the 2015 senior class. Senior Jackie Bates (Lincroft, N.J.) has led the Scarlet Knight offense through her four seasons "On the Banks," all while shattering numerous program records along the way.
Bates immediately entered the lineup for Rutgers and proved why she belonged there. In her freshman campaign, she started 49 of 51 games in the outfield and registered three doubles, three home runs and 12 RBIs. As a sophomore, she earned the starting nod in all 56 games, leading the squad with a total of 35 RBIs.
In her junior season, Bates uncovered the power that had been brewing over those first two years. In 2014, Bates led the Scarlet Knights with a .390 batting average, 16 doubles, 40 RBIs, nine home runs and a .685 slugging percentage while starting all 47 games in center field. Her 16 doubles on the year ranked third on the single-season list, while the nine homers tied for fourth on the charts. Bates' consistent and dominating performance earned her a spot on both the 2014 NFCA Division I All-Mideast First Team and the All-American Athletic Conference First Team.
Bates seamlessly carried her success into her senior campaign en route to crushing numerous program records. After she broke the single-season home run record with 16 homers midway through conference play, Bates knew she wanted more. With 21 home runs so far this year, the senior slugger ranks first in program history with a total of 39 career long balls.
Throughout the season, Bates has consistently held second-place in Big Ten rankings with her slugging percentage. The centerfielder now has 141 career RBIs that ranks second in the record books and is only four shy of tying for the top spot.
Additionally, Bates added in single game highs this season as well. In the 22-17 victory over Michigan State, the New Jersey native notched a career-high eight RBIs, including a three-run homer. On Tuesday against LIU-Brooklyn, Bates recorded three home runs in the win, along with her first grand slam of the year.
Overall, Bates will close her career as a Scarlet Knight in the top three of four career hitting records and the top four of six single-season records. With Senior Day and graduation looming, Bates reflected back on the highlights of her time as a Scarlet Knight.
SENIOR REFLECTION:
Q: What has been your best memory across the past four years?
A: "My best memory on the team was when I hit my record-setting home run at Penn State and celebrating with my teammates at home plate. That was probably my favorite home run I've hit as a Scarlet Knight. Also, I really enjoyed playing on ESPN in the semifinals of the AAC tournament. It was a fun experience with my teammates."
Q: What will you miss the most after you graduate?
A: "I willdefinitely miss my teammates the most. The friendships I've built over the past four years will last a lifetime."
Q: What are your future plans?
A: "I plan to go to graduate school at Rutgers for statistics after I graduate. My dream job would be an ESPN analyst for a professional baseball team. I'd also love to try out for a professional softball team. It's been a dream of mine since I was little to play professional softball and I think it'd be pretty cool to reach that level.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: "I'd just like to thank my parents for always believing in me and being my number one supporters."
SENIOR DAY
Join Rutgers softball in honoring all three seniors on Saturday, May 2nd at the RU Softball Complex. Prior to the first pitch against Wisconsin at 1 p.m., RU will conduct a pre-game ceremony to recognize the 2015 class.
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