For Jen Jones '20 '22G, some of the most memorable moments from her decorated Husson University softball career did not come from a championship celebration, an individual award or one of her many dominant performances in the circle.

Instead, Jones remembers the dugout.

She remembers her teammates wearing their funky hats, cheering each other on and trying to spark another two-out rally.

Those moments encapsulate what Jones valued most throughout a career that established her as one of the greatest pitchers in Husson softball history — the people around her.



"When I look back on my time at Husson, what stands out most to me is the people and the sense of community," Jones said. "Husson really felt like a place where people knew each other, supported each other, and genuinely wanted to see one another succeed."

That team-first mentality helped Jones put together one of the most accomplished careers in program history from 2017-22.

A three-time North Atlantic Conference Pitcher of the Year and two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region selection, Jones was a four-time all-conference honoree and four-time NAC All-Tournament Team selection. She also earned NAC Tournament MVP honors and was twice selected to an NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team.

Yet, individual accomplishments were never what drove her consistency.

"I honestly never considered the Hall of Fame during my career," Jones said. "Wanting to do the best I possibly could for my teammates kept me consistent."



That approach produced a career that left Jones' name throughout the Husson record book.

At the time of her induction, Jones ranks first in program history in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts and appearances, while ranking second in saves and fifth in career ERA. She also threw one of six perfect games in program history, recorded one of Husson's two immaculate innings and tossed one of the program's 21 no-hitters.

Jones finished her career with a 59-27 record across 107 appearances, including 77 starts. She tossed 65 complete games and 17 shutouts, recorded four saves and finished with a 2.79 ERA and 643 strikeouts while holding opposing hitters to a .226 batting average.

And Jones was far more than just a pitcher.

She also compiled a .353 career batting average over 255 at-bats, recording 20 doubles, one triple, five home runs, 57 RBIs, 48 runs scored and 38 walks.

Her list of accomplishments also included being named the 2018-19 Clara Swan Female Athlete of the Year, while earning College Sports Communicators Academic All-District and Eastern College Athletic Conference President's Honor Roll recognition.

But Jones' legacy at Husson extends beyond statistics and awards.

She played an instrumental role in helping establish the latest championship era of Husson softball, winning four NAC championships during her career and helping the Eagles become the first team in program history to host an NCAA Regional in 2021.

Jones made that opportunity count.

During the 2021 Bangor Regional, she was named the tournament's Outstanding Player, adding another signature accomplishment to a career filled with them. Her complete list of honors also included NFCA All-Region selections in 2019 and 2021, NAC Pitcher of the Year honors in 2018, 2019 and 2021 and the Husson softball Eagle Award in 2018.

Despite all of that success, Jones was not expecting to receive the call informing her that she would be inducted into the Husson Sports Hall of Fame.

"When I got a call from Rick, my immediate thought was, 'What did I do wrong?'" Jones recalled. "I honestly wasn't expecting the call at all, so I was completely surprised — and very excited — to hear the news. I immediately called my parents to tell them."

For Jones, the honor means more because of everyone who shared the journey with her.

"This honor means so much to me because it represents more than anything I accomplished individually — it represents the people and experiences that shaped me at Husson," Jones said. "Being recognized alongside so many incredible athletes is incredibly humbling."

That is also why Jones takes particular pride in knowing the standard she helped establish can influence future generations of Eagles.

"That means more to me than I can put into words," Jones said. "I'm incredibly proud to have worn a Husson uniform, but knowing that I may have helped inspire or pave the way for future Eagles is an even greater honor."



Jones credits her parents for their constant support, her coaches for believing in her and challenging her to improve and her teammates for the work, trust and memories they shared.

She also reserves special appreciation for the teammates who were there for every pitch.

"I also want to thank all of my catchers for being my rocks and giving me the confidence to throw any pitch their way," Jones said.

The relationships Jones built at Husson have remained important long after her final appearance in the circle.

A native of Acton, Maine and graduate of Sanford High School, Jones earned her bachelor of science degree in kinesiology with a concentration in human movement sciences from Husson in 2020 before earning her doctorate in physical therapy in 2022.

Since graduating, Jones has worked as a travel physical therapist, traveling throughout the United States with her fiancé and their two cats.

Although softball is no longer part of her daily routine, Jones carries lessons from her time as an Eagle with her wherever she goes.

"Husson completely shaped the person I am today," Jones said. "It taught me the importance of leaning on the people around me because everything is easier when you have a team. Most importantly, it taught me that it's never embarrassing to try, even if you don't succeed."

It is a fitting lesson from a player whose willingness to compete, trust those around her and put her team first helped leave an enduring mark on Husson softball.