Jackie Bates

Classroom

An animal sciences major, Bates is a Dean’s List student-athlete. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) named Bates a 2013-14 Divison I All-America Scholar Athlete. Bates’ academic success also guided the program to recognition as an All-Academic Team and to a 1000 Academic Progress Rate (APR) in 2012-13. In the 2012-13 season, Bates aided the Scarlet Knights in earning the Big East Team Academic Excellence Award, while she also earned individual recognition on the All-Academic Team. Upon graduation, Bates hopes to get into the Rutgers graduate program for statistics to progress towards a career in animal research statistics or sports statistics.

Character

Although a leader on the stats sheet, Jackie Bates is also a leader in her conduct. She is the epitome of selfless contribution to the program. Bates continuously strives to be the best she can be for the team without bringing attention to herself. One example of her dedication to her training and to her team was her decision on a Friday night following the end of the season banquet. Bates went right back to training. The squad had a doubleheader the following day, and Bates did not want to miss a beat. She was only noticed because Coach Nelson had gone to check that the bullpens had been covered since the forecast called for rain. Bates didn’t hesitate to take time from her self-issued training session to help tarp the field. Overall, Bates puts in the time to become the best she can be for the team, but she always manages to find the time to assist those around her. She puts the best interest of the team first and is always willing to give a helping hand wherever she can.

Community

Bates has been an active member of Rutgers softball’s Strikeout Cancer initiative. The team joined the initiative to raise awareness to support the fight against cancer. Bates has also dedicated her time with her teammates in Rutgers’ Big Chill 5K, which is an annual charity race in which runners donate holiday gifts for needy children. The Scarlet Knights participate in the Friends of Jaclyn initiative and other various events within Rutgers Athletics, and Bates is always willing to lend a hand. With her love for animals, Bates has dedicated her time at a vet hospital, where she assisted in boarding animals. She also loves to help out at Rutgers’ campus farm in her spare time.

Competition

Bates was a pivotal player in Rutgers successful 2014 campaign, as the team finished the season 28-19 overall and registering its first postseason win since 1998. In 2014, Bates led RU with a .390 batting average, 16 doubles, 40 RBIs and a .685 slugging percentage, starting all games at center field. Her 16 doubles in 2014 marked the third-most recorded by a Scarlet Knight in a single season in school history. Bates also tied for the team lead with nine home runs on the year, moving her into fourth all-time in the career record books with a total of 18. She also finished second on team with 57 hits, 23 walks and 100 total bases. Following the season, Bates was named a NFCA Division I All-Mid East First Team honoree, becoming one of the first Scarlet Knight to earn the honor since 1989. She also was named to the All-American Athletic Conference First Team and to the 2014 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) All-Star Second Team. In her senior campaign, Bates has the chance to continue to rewrite the record book, while leading the team to success.