Jaylene Ross finished the year on a high note with a Viking team that made the playoffs, and the honor of being named Cal JC Catcher of the year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and Diamond Sports.
Behind the plate, Ross threw out 11 potential base stealers and was a calming counterpart for ace pitcher Daisy Torres. Offensively, Ross was a force with the batting average of .452, 17 doubles, and 29 RBIs. The free swinging catcher struck out three times in 159 plate appearances and remembers all three.
“I wasn’t mentally ready in the batters box. I think one was against the Santa Ana pitcher. One was against the Mount SAC pitcher with curly hair. And then the third one I can’t remember.” Ross said. “I remember the Mount SAC one clearly because I swung at a drop ball inside, and that one was nowhere near the zone. It was on the floor.”
These big numbers led to a big award, an award she had no idea she was in the running for until her coach told her she won it via text message.
But that is the kind of person Ross is, she gets locked in on the field and doesn’t allow her thoughts to wander or over complicate the game. This strategy is how she excels on the field. It is also something Ross tries to impress on her teammates. For example, when she visits the mound to settle the nerves of her pitchers, all she does is try to keep her thoughts from wandering, and get them back in the moment.
“I just think that slowing the game down, and seeing it in slow motion is much better,” Ross said. “I try to put it in simpler terms because if I over explain it and over do myself, I’ll never get a good result.”
Catchers are generally considered the ‘Field General’ on the diamond. Ross’s leadership reverberated throughout the clubhouse and is based on the example she gives with her great play.
“She is a well rounded player, whether it’s defensively, offensively, or taking charge as a player,” said infielder Jennifer Aguilar. “Great players deserve to get rewarded.”
Ross’s original path didn’t lead to LBCC, as she committed to Texas Southern University when she was attending Whittier High School in 2019. Shortly after that commitment, obstacles such as the pandemic, the Texas Southern head coach quitting, and general dysfunction at the school ended the idea of playing softball in Texas.
“Sometimes I think, ‘what if I did go there?’” Ross said, “I wouldn’t have these opportunities. Who knows if I would have even been starting? I’m fine where I’m at, I like it here.”
Her connection to Coach Mike Rogers brought her into the LBCC circle to work out while she was undecided on her future. Ross was impressed with the level of talent at LBCC. When she asked Coach Megan Martinez to officially join the team, she added the future catcher of the year to the roster.
Throughout her first season, the Vikings went on a winning streak and they went through slumps. Ross’s hitting was consistent throughout and the bond between the women of the team grew with each game. The Vikings earned a playoff berth that led to their elimination in the second round of the Southern California Regionals. For some, it was the last time to compete in the Junior College system.
“It was expected to see her win such an award,” Infielder Jade Whitman said. “It was an honor to play my last (junior college) year with her behind the plate.”
Her options are still open for the future and she is keeping her cards close to the vest on the options she is weighing. Making decisions on the fly and being flexible is what led her to LBCC and a catcher of the year award. She said she will make a decision within the next couple of weeks on what her next move will be. For now, her great play will be appreciated and we can only wait to see what will come next.