Today’s profile takes us to the Peach State to learn more about the first incoming freshman commit for one of the SEC schools. This talented athlete committed in late June and is going to her “dream school” and even knows what she’ll (hopefully) be doing in 10 years…

Name: JAIDEN FIELDS
Grad Year: 2019
Pos: 1B/OF
High School: Harrison (Kennesaw, Ga.)
Club: East Cobb Bullets-Kittrell
Height: 5-foot-9
College: Georgia

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FloSoftball.com: Talk about your background…  was softball your first love or were/are you a multi-sport athlete growing up and today?
Jaiden Fields: I have always been a multi-sport athlete. If you name it, I played it. My main two sports are softball and basketball, with softball being my first love.  I started playing softball when I was eight and just never stopped playing.

FS.com: What’s one of your earliest softball memories, good or bad?
JF: My earliest softball memory would have to be when I was eight and I tried out for summer all-stars and, unfortunately, didn’t make the team. I loved the game so much and did not want to go all summer without playing. Because of this, my parents decided to sign me up for Upward aseball and that’s what I played while all the other softball girls were playing all-star ball. I was the only girl on the team and hit my first grand slam that summer. It was fun and I’m glad I got to experience something different.

FS.com:  Do you remember the moment when you realize you had the ability to play at the college level?  What do you remember about that time?
JF: It was during the first year of 14U when college coaches started to notice me at tournaments and expressed interest to my travel ball coach. It was really exciting that these colleges might want me for their programs. It inspired me to work harder.

FS.com: How did Georgia first find out about you, and when and how did you learn they were recruiting you?
JF: I’d been going to softball camp at UGA every summer since third grade. I was not thinking about playing college ball at the time, I just wanted to become a better softball player and the camp was a lot of fun. I won camp awards the last four years and got to know the coaches. Last fall they started watching me and the recruiting process took off from there.

FS.com:  What did the Bulldog coaches say they liked most about you and your game?
JF:  They always tell me that know matter how good you are it always comes down to your character and I think that’s something they like about me as well as my athletic ability.

FS.com: When were you offered and how did you learn they wanted you to play for them?
JF: The offer came after Georgia watched me play in the Birmingham Thunderbolt 5 Star Exposure Showcase in Montgomery, Ala. One of my coaches told me that they wanted me to call the next day.  I tried not to think about it for the rest of the tournament because I didn’t want to get my hopes up.  My parents and I called Coach (Tony) Baldwin the next evening when we got back home and I gladly accepted their offer.

FS.com: What were the factors that led you to pick Georgia?
JF: Georgia has always been my No. 1 choice in schools, not only in softball but in academics as well. I would like to study broadcast journalism and communication in college and eventually become a sports commentator. After some research I discovered that UGA offers one of the best programs for my interests. UGA has a top softball program so it’s the best of both worlds.

FS.com: Why did you commit now as opposed to waiting?
JF: I decided to commit this early because I have faith that it’s where I belong. I have been to other colleges before and none of them feel quite like Georgia. UGA was my top college choice so I don’t feel that it can get any better. Also I feel like being committed now will push me to work even harder in softball and academically.

FS.com: What accomplishment(s) in athletic career are you most proud of so far?
JF: Committing to my dream school!

 

Quick Hitters 

 

What are you most excited about, and most nervous about, heading into high school?
Getting to meet new people and becoming a responsible teen while having more freedom. The only thing that I’m really nervous about is getting lost on the first few days of school.

Fill in the blank… the best thing about softball is:_____________________
The character it builds.

Favorite pro/college team, and why?
Atlanta Braves, because it’s my hometown team.

Favorite motto or philosophy of life:
“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10) and “You can’t be successful without accepting failure.”

What song gets you pumped up before games, and why? 
Anything by Meghan Trainor because all of her songs give off so much positive energy.

What’s the most embarrassing song on your phone, and why?
“Who Let the Dogs Out” because it’s so old!

What was the weirdest/funniest/strangest thing you’ve ever seen during a game or practice, and why?
My coach climbed to the top of the fence behind the batters box and danced while on the fence. This was during a rain delay and both teams were dying of laughter.

If you were handed a $1,000 and had to spend in one day, what would you do with it?
Go shopping!

What movie best describes you as a softball player?
“Mulan,” because I’m a warrior on the field and will do what ever it takes to win for my team.

What’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you, and why?
I can’t do a cartwheel.

What’s the one thing/object, besides your phone, that you can’t live without? 
I can’t live without my bat.

Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals?
I pray before each game.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Have an alter ego that’s never afraid. even if you are deep inside.

If you could have a super power, what would you want it to be?
To control time.

If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Beyoncé because she’s Queen and God because he’s King.

What did you want to be when you were little? 
An Architect.

Nickname(s):
“Pooter” (dad calls me that) and “J Money” ( My coach calls me that).

Something on your “must do” list:
Go to a shooting range and hit the bulls-eye.

Favorite joke:
Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven eight (ate) nine!

What’s the best movie of all-time, and why?
Remember the Titans. I am inspired by all the life lessons in that movie.

What is your hometown/area best known for and what makes you proud to say you’re from there?
My hometown is best known for Braves baseball, sweet tea, and Georgia peaches. I am most proud to be from here because it’s a beautiful place to live and the people are full of Southern hospitality.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see my self as an ESPN sports commentator in 10 years!