Hannah Whelan
In Motion Staff Writer
Daytona State’s sports programs are making an impression again. Canadian native Jesse Goddard was awarded the National Junior College Athletic Association’s National Pitcher of the Week Feb. 23. The Coach’s Poll, also conducted by the NJCAA, ranked Daytona State at number six. The team is currently 14-2.
“With Jessie coming in as a freshman, she is motivated to be the best pitcher she can be and she is determined to win,” said second baseman Mackie Chandler.
In Goddard’s freshman year, she is being recognized for her performances against South Florida State and St. Petersburg. On Feb. 16, she pitched a complete game, three-hit shutout in a 1-0 win against South Florida State. Later in the week, she allowed only three hits and one run over six innings in her team’s 7-1 victory against St. Petersburg. In her 13 innings of work, she’s allowed six hits, one run, four walks and struck out 13. Goddard added to the scoreboard for the Lady Falcons hitting a home run against St. Petersburg as well.
Goddard attributes her success to her confidence in knowing that she had a job to do and that she had to do it well. She also follows a strict training regimen five days a week, including weightlifting, conditioning and games. A pre-game ritual for Goddard includes having a five-minute pep talk with herself, where she talks about her success, the job she has to do and the success she wants for her team.
“I’ve only been here with the team for around three months, but they’ve all been very confident in me and helped me adjust to being so far away from home,” said Goddard.
One of Goddard’s role models that keeps her mind on track is her former pitching coach from back home, Texas A&M alum Danielle Ashworth.
“She’s been in my life since I was 10 years old and I’m turning 19 this July,” Goddard said.
After her years at Daytona State, Goddard plans on moving back home to Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada, and will continue to play ball and attain her master’s degree in psychology.