Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
WASHINGTON C.H. — Jessica Camp is 3-for-3 … in all-conference and all-district selections, and probably in her next three plate appearances.
The three-time all-FAC and all-Southeast District catcher has been a mainstay in the middle of Miami Trace’s lineup throughout her softball career. And defensively … well, run at your own risk.
Camp, a senior, has one more go-around with her high school teammates and coaches this spring. But when that ride’s over, her softball career doesn’t end.
She’s signed with Capital University to further her academic and athletic careers.
“I really loved the biology department [at Capital],” Camp said. “On a visit, I really clicked with the professors so that was a major selling point for me. Also, the coaches and team are very nice and very dedicated to making the team better, so I really wanted to be a part of that.”
Camp will join a program that won just nine games last year after winning 27 the year before. But since 2015, the Crusaders have an overall record of 83-81 with a mark of 37-35 inside the Ohio Athletic Conference.
New friends, new teammates and new experiences are on the horizon.
“I’m looking forward to making a new softball family as soon as I set foot on campus,” Camp said. “It will be hard to leave my current softball family but it will be worth it.”
And it’s not like she won’t continue to receive the support she’s always gotten from family, friends and teammates. That’s something she’s thrived off during her time at Miami Trace.
“My family and friends are my backbone. I wouldn’t be in the place that I am without their love and continued support,” Camp said. “I cannot thank them enough for practicing with me and alway being at my games, cheering me on.”
It can be hard to jump from high school to college in terms of balancing schoolwork and athletics, but Camp has a plan in place.
“I need to continue to stay organized and focused on my studies first and foremost,” she said. “If I am organized in the classroom, then I will have as much time as I need for practice and workouts.”
Before she joins Capital’s softball program, as a catcher and a part-time outfielder, there’s still business to attend to back home.
In a Division II sectional final last season, Camp’s Panthers suffered a 22-12 loss to Circleville — a loss that ended their season much earlier than they had hoped for.
While Camp is hoping for a better end result to her senior season, her self expectations have also risen.
“I am expecting myself to continue to make all-FAC and Southeast District for the fourth time,” she said. “A personal goal of mine is to be the FAC Player of the Year and carry a .500 batting average.”
Jessica Camp is 3-for-3 … looking for a fourth straight banner year.