University of Delaware Athletics
Softball Announces Addition of transfer Gracie Jacobs
7/26/2024 10:24:00 AM | Softball
NEWARK, Del. -Â University of Delaware softball announced the addition of transfer Gracie Jacobs.Â
"Gracie is a great addition to our program! She will give us depth in the outfield and will help us score runs with her speed," head coach Jen Steele said. "Most importantly, her values align with our program goals and she will not only elevate us on the field, but in the locker room as well. I can't wait to see her in the Blue and Gold for her final two years."
Jacobs, an outfielder from DePaul, arrives to Delaware after playing two seasons in the BIG EAST with the Blue Demons. She appeared in 60 games at DePaul while starting in 28, including starting 23 games in 2024.Â
As a sophomore, Jacobs led the team with two triples while tallying seven hits and four RBIs. She had a hit against College World Series participant UCLA on March 2 in two at bats and hit a two-run triple against BIG EAST Champion Villanova on April 20. Jacobs also faced off against CAA-foe UNCW, recording a single in two at bats on Feb. 9. As a freshman, she had hits against Butler and scored runs against Valparaiso and Evansville. Jacobs as been a member of the BIG EAST All-Academic Team as well.Â
At Avon High School in Avon, Ind., Jacobs was a three-time letterwinner, two-time sectional champion and regional finalist in 2021 and 2022, and helped her team win  the 2022 conference championship. She earned Class 4A All-State Honors, was a two-time FirstpTeam All-Conference selection, and was selected to the Indy Star All-USA Central Indiana Super Team twice. In 2021, she was named to the Extra Innings First-Team High School All-American team. Jacobs was selected to play with AIST USA U19 Softball and competed in Italy, and was also named a top 100 outfielder by Extra Innings in 2022.
Jacobs is Delaware's sixth transfer addition this offseason, having also signed All-Region selection Mary Beth Calahan from Dartmouth, Billie Kerwood from CAA-rival Monmouth, Delaware native Marlayna Capaldi from South Alabama, utility player Grace Hausamann from Lafayette, and pitcher Emma Denison from Bowling Green. The Blue Hens are also bringing in incoming freshmen, Josie Crossman, Sorella Gallucci, and Ellie Talley. Morgan Hess is currently Delaware's from last season's team that transferred in, arriving from Presbyterian, and was a NFCA All-Northeast First-Team and All-CAA First-Team selection. Delaware also brought in Julia Boyet from Duke, another All-Region and All-CAA selection, and Maddie Fife from Saint Joseph's, who caught in 50 games and hit four home runs.Â
Delaware is coming off a season in which they set program records in single-season wins and conference wins, and tied their record for longest win streak at 13 and longest conference win streak at 10. The Blue Hens also led the CAA in batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, runs scored, doubles, and total bases. They pitched to a 1.98 ERA, finishing ninth in NCAA, and ranked 27th nationally in shutouts.Â
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For the latest on Delaware softball, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
"Gracie is a great addition to our program! She will give us depth in the outfield and will help us score runs with her speed," head coach Jen Steele said. "Most importantly, her values align with our program goals and she will not only elevate us on the field, but in the locker room as well. I can't wait to see her in the Blue and Gold for her final two years."
Jacobs, an outfielder from DePaul, arrives to Delaware after playing two seasons in the BIG EAST with the Blue Demons. She appeared in 60 games at DePaul while starting in 28, including starting 23 games in 2024.Â
As a sophomore, Jacobs led the team with two triples while tallying seven hits and four RBIs. She had a hit against College World Series participant UCLA on March 2 in two at bats and hit a two-run triple against BIG EAST Champion Villanova on April 20. Jacobs also faced off against CAA-foe UNCW, recording a single in two at bats on Feb. 9. As a freshman, she had hits against Butler and scored runs against Valparaiso and Evansville. Jacobs as been a member of the BIG EAST All-Academic Team as well.Â
At Avon High School in Avon, Ind., Jacobs was a three-time letterwinner, two-time sectional champion and regional finalist in 2021 and 2022, and helped her team win  the 2022 conference championship. She earned Class 4A All-State Honors, was a two-time FirstpTeam All-Conference selection, and was selected to the Indy Star All-USA Central Indiana Super Team twice. In 2021, she was named to the Extra Innings First-Team High School All-American team. Jacobs was selected to play with AIST USA U19 Softball and competed in Italy, and was also named a top 100 outfielder by Extra Innings in 2022.
Jacobs is Delaware's sixth transfer addition this offseason, having also signed All-Region selection Mary Beth Calahan from Dartmouth, Billie Kerwood from CAA-rival Monmouth, Delaware native Marlayna Capaldi from South Alabama, utility player Grace Hausamann from Lafayette, and pitcher Emma Denison from Bowling Green. The Blue Hens are also bringing in incoming freshmen, Josie Crossman, Sorella Gallucci, and Ellie Talley. Morgan Hess is currently Delaware's from last season's team that transferred in, arriving from Presbyterian, and was a NFCA All-Northeast First-Team and All-CAA First-Team selection. Delaware also brought in Julia Boyet from Duke, another All-Region and All-CAA selection, and Maddie Fife from Saint Joseph's, who caught in 50 games and hit four home runs.Â
Delaware is coming off a season in which they set program records in single-season wins and conference wins, and tied their record for longest win streak at 13 and longest conference win streak at 10. The Blue Hens also led the CAA in batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, runs scored, doubles, and total bases. They pitched to a 1.98 ERA, finishing ninth in NCAA, and ranked 27th nationally in shutouts.Â
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware softball, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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