FORMER SOFTBALL PLAYER FORMS A SCHOLARSHIP

Now eight years later, the former Bulldog infielder has generously created an opportunity for others to follow in her footsteps with formation of the Jen Jacobs Scholarship. The annual scholarship will be presented to a FSU softball walk-on student-athlete who solidifies her position on the squad through perseverance.

A native of Big Rapids, Mich., Jacobs is currently working in Washington, D.C. She returned home in the summer of 2003 to present the scholarship to its inaugural recipient, sophomore outfielder Jessica Jaroniewski (Millington).

"This scholarship is something that just feels like the right thing to do," said Jacobs. "This is something I've always had in the back of my mind. It was just a matter of when would be the right time to do it and I believe that time is now. "I've always wanted to give something back because the University and the whole community have all given so much to me," added Jacobs. In her four-year (1996-99) Ferris State career, Jacobs played an integral role in helping the Diamond Dawgs not only claim their first-ever NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Championship in 1998 but also make the program's first appearance in the NCAA-II National Championship Tournament since 1982. Ferris State went on to place third in the national event which represented the Diamond Dawgs' highest ever for a FSU women's athletics team. As a senior the following season (1999), Jacobs helped Ferris defend its regional crown while garnering its second consecutive national tourney berth.

A sure-handed infielder, Jacobs concluded her collegiate career with a .273 batting average in 122 contests. She totaled 83 base hits, 30 runs scored, 15 runs batted in (RBI's), 13 doubles, two triples and one home run while registering a .901 fielding percentage. A starter in 110 games primarily at third base, Jacobs batted .307 during her senior year with 23 hits, six doubles, two triples, and 15 RBIs. As a sophomore in 1998, she was honored with the team's Diamond Dawg Award for spirit and determination. Jacobs was also chosen as FSU's Most Improved Player in 1996.

Jen Jacobs

"As a coach, when players leave your program you don't want the program to leave your players," said FSU head coach Keri Becker. "The program doesn't stop caring about the player after four years and the player doesn't stop caring about the program after four years.

"I think it says a lot about the people involved in our program that they want to stay involved. As a coach, that's something which means a lot to you. It's the ultimate thank you when players leave your program, but they still feel as if they're a part of it," added Becker.