SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose State softball made another key pickup for their 2021 roster as Alabama A&M transfer Jackie Rookaird has signed with the Spartans. Head Coach Tammy Lohmann made the announcement on Sunday.
Rookaird played multiple positions at Alabama A&M in 2020, her lone season with the program. A preseason SWAC Freshman of the Year candidate, she excelled at the plate, in the circle and in the outfield for the Bulldogs.
"Jackie is a versatile player who will bring us more depth on the mound and in the outfield," Lohmann said. "We welcome her to the Spartan Family and look forward to having her energy, drive and passion on the field this spring season"
Rookaird led the team in both batting average (.455) and wins (3-0) during fall ball after signing with Alabama A&M from Everett High School in Everett, Wash. During the shortened 2020 campaign, she appeared in 12 games with nine starts.
Prior to the injury, Rookaird was one of the top hitters on the squad, leading the team with a five game-reached bases streak, including a four-game hit streak. She finished the year with a .200 batting average with two runs and two RBI. In the circle, the right-hander made five appearances and one start, and tallied 10 strikeouts in 11 innings of work.
"It has always been my dream to go to school and play softball in California," Rookaird said. "My family has deep-rooted ties to this area and there are many opportunities as a business major in the Silicon Valley. I played travel ball in this area the last few years of high school and grew to love the people, culture and community. I am extremely excited to play for Coach Letty Olivarez. She recruited me in high school and we have a great connection. I also can't wait to play for Coach Lohmann with all the success and experience she brings."
Rookaird comes to the Bay Area after one season with Alabama A&M
Rookaird was a four-year varsity starter in high school, twice earning a spot on the all-state team. She was also a three-time all-conference and two-time all-area selection. As a senior, she helped guide Everett High to the Washington State Championship tournament.
In four years of high school ball, Rookaird posted a career ERA of 2.10 with over 500 strikeouts in 286.2 innings of work. In her last three years of high school, she was outstanding at the plate, striking out just 13 times while hitting near .500 for each season.
Rookaird played club ball for the California Grapettes where she was a three-time PGF Nationals participant. She also was named a Colorado Sparkler All-American and led the team to one appearance at the USA Softball Nationals.
Rookaird joins the Spartans as a sophomore and will have three years to play.