Ferris State Softball Tabs Former Syracuse Standout Jasmine Watson As Assistant Coach
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Big Rapids, Mich. - New Ferris State University softball head coach Wally King has announced the addition of former Syracuse University standout Jasmine Watson, who will serve as the Bulldogs' assistant coach.
A native of Irvine, Calif., Watson was a three-time All-Big East honoree as a NCAA Division I student-athlete for the Orange and concluded her career as one of the school's all-time best while becoming the program's career home runs record holder with 46 round trippers.
While at Syracuse, Watson played under King, who formerly served as the squad's associate head coach and was chosen to lead the Bulldog program in late July. The veteran head coach brings more than 20 years of championship-caliber playing, coaching and administrative experience to FSU, including his time on the Syracuse staff.
"I am extremely excited to have Jasmine join us here at Ferris State University," said King. "She was a very successful and elite player in both the Big East and ACC, who has a vast amount of experience playing in big time, pressure filled games. Her growth as a player during her four years was in direct proportion to her work ethic, both physically and mentally.
"As a coach, she will bring a great amount of knowledge, skill, enthusiasm and passion for this game that will have a positive impact on our players and program," he added.
Watson, who played at Syracuse from 2010-14, began her coaching career on the Syracuse staff as a student assistant coach last fall and worked closely with the infielders and catchers. She then served as the junior varsity softball head coach this past spring at El Modena High School in Orange, Calif., where she guided a 17-member squad to a runner-up league finish.
"I was looking for a program where I can be challenged and help positively influence the lives of student-athletes and I strongly believe that Ferris State embodies all those qualities," Watson said. "I'm thrilled at the opportunity here and am excited to be part of a program with a bright future ahead."
During her collegiate career, Watson was a four-year letterwinner as Syracuse's starting first baseman under King's tutelage. She claimed National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Mid Atlantic First Team honors and helped SU to the Big East Championship in 2011 along with an NCAA Tournament appearance.
A three-time conference player of the week honoree, Watson earned All-Big East Second Team accolades twice and was an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) pick as a senior. She also earned first team all-conference laurels from College Sports Madness and tied a school mark for most home runs in a single campaign with 16 in her final season.
In her collegiate career, Watson tallied 136 RBI's and a .553 slugging percentage, both of which rank second in school history. She played in 210 games, making 196 starts, and her 599 at-bats is tied for fifth in Syracuse annals. Watson also notched 166 hits, 72 extra base hits and 330 total base with 38 career multi-hit games. Her 884 putouts is second-highest in school history.
In addition to her on-field accomplishments, Watson served on Syracuse's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee where she played a key role in numerous community service events. Additionally, she was a three-time conference academic honor roll selection and a university Dean's List recipient as an accomplished student-athlete. Watson was also active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter.
A 2014 graduate of Syracuse with a bachelor's degree in public health, Watson worked as a member of the Syracuse Dome Changeovers Crew for three years, helping transform the Carrier Dome between a basketball and football venue. She also served as a volunteer coach for the Syracuse Softball Clinics along with being involved in many community service initiatives such as the special olympics, the festival of races, rescue mission and the refugee assistance program.
Before heading to Syracuse, Watson prepped at Arnold O. Beckman High School in Irvine, Calif., where she was a three-time all-league choice. In addition, she garnered first-team all-city honors twice and was selected to the 2010 All-California Interscholastic Federation squad after guiding Beckman to the championship title. As a senior, she served as team captain and was the squad's Most Valuable Player.
Watson will begin her Ferris State duties immediately.
Ferris State will welcome back 12 letterwinners along with an incoming recruiting class of six for the 2015-16 campaign. The program has also recently seen facility upgrades with the installation of new batting cages, bullpens, playing surface improvements and a new scoreboard at the FSU Softball Field this past spring.
FSU has reached the NCAA Softball Tournament eight times in school history and had won 24 games in a season for 10-straight years prior to the past two seasons. Overall, the Bulldogs have made five trips to the NCAA Tourney since 2005.