Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Jada McLeod graduated from Stanhope Elmore High School in 2024, fresh off a senior softball season in which she was named Class 6A 2nd Team All-State. McLeod signed with Eastern Kentucky University, a Division 1 school competing in the Atlanta Sun Conference. She made the most of her freshman season at Eastern Kentucky and was named to the Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team.
“It makes me feel proud of myself,” McLeod said of being named to the All-Freshman Team. “That was definitely a goal of mine, and I’m grateful to have teammates and coaches to push me.”
According to the EKU website, McLeod started 43 games and had a .304 batting average and a slugging percentage of .513. The freshman also had 5 home runs and 27 RBIs.
“My first experience at a D1 college was really good. I enjoyed how close the community is there and the environment. The people are just filled with positivity,” said McLeod.
McLeod had some big moments during her freshman season. In a March game against Indiana State, McLeod hit a 3-run home run in the 3rd inning. However, the Colonels were trailing 5-4 in the last inning, when McLeod hit a 2 RBI walk-off single to clinch the victory for Eastern Kentucky.
The Colonels won the Atlantic Sun regular-season championship. In the Atlantic Sun Tournament, Eastern Kentucky faced Stetson in the semi-finals. McLeod walked three times and scored two runs in the 9-4 victory.
The Eastern Kentucky season ended against North Florida in the Atlantic Sun Tournament Championship Game. The Colonels lost to North Florida, 5-4, and failed to clinch the automatic berth in the NCAA tournament. However, McLeod had an impressive performance. She had two hits and scored two runs. One of the hits was a 3rd inning home run.
The former Mustang already has some goals in place for her sophomore season with Eastern Kentucky.
“My goals for next year as a team are to win the Atlantic Sun championship, then continue on the road to the College World Series. Although I had a great freshman season, my goals for the upcoming year are to improve my batting average and make the ASUN All-Conference team again. My biggest goal is to become an All-American.”
