We were able to catch up with Louisiana State University (LSU) verbal commit Jayden Heavener (VA Unity – Johnson/Ross) the #1 overall top prospect in the nation for the 2024 graduation class, as she finished with LSU Media Day and made her announcement to further her education and softball career in Baton Rouge at LSU.
Jayden has always been a tremendous ambassador for the softball community and always responsive to providing updates on her and her team’s softball activities. It has always been a true pleasure to chat with her. We are very appreciative to her and the Heavener family for agreeing to do this interview.
INTERVIEW WITH JAYDEN HEAVENER
Huge congrats on your recent verbal commitment! What an amazing journey with many more chapters to be written. Was September 1st what you thought it would be?
Jayden: “It was way more. I took my first call at 12:01 AM. I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was so amazing to receive either a call, text or an email from a ton of great programs. LSU and Iowa called at midnight and the rest sent text or emails asking to set up calls.”
Did you get any sleep or were you up all night waiting excitedly like a 6 yr old on Christmas?
Jayden: “I was so excited. I was up until about 2:00 AM. I had calls set up starting at 10am.”
Who was the first programs that contacted you?
Jayden: “NC State and LSU.”
Who was the first coach you spoke with?
Jayden: “Iowa.”
What schools contacted you and chatted?
Jayden: “LSU, Florida State University (FSU), Alabama, Florida, Auburn, Iowa, Penn State, North Carolina State, Mizzou, Ohio State, Arkansas, Michigan, Boston College, Auburn, and Stanford. They were all so amazing. Each program had something special to offer.”
Which coach was the warmest and easiest to talk with?
Jayden: “Coach Torina from LSU and Coach Diefel from Arkansas.”
Which coach had the best telephonic presentation?
Jayden: “I FaceTimed with LSU and they had the locker room all decorated and had a #00 Jersey.”
Was your inbox and chat messages maxed out?
Jayden: “Yes, it was so exciting!”
Why did you choose LSU?
Jayden: “I made the decision to attend LSU! I just felt at home. I have spent a lot of time going to camps and watching coaching styles. I really felt like I was ready to make a decision.”
Are you planning to take official visits and if so, where?
Jayden: “I will take my official visit at LSU on the 17th.
Any final comments you would like to share as we conclude this interview?
Jayden: “I would like to thank my parents for all of their love and support. They have given me so much and always pushed me to be my best. I want to thank my pitching coach Amanda Roberson and hitting coach Jody Hodo for working with me every week. My Unity coaches Jay Ross, Josh Johnson, and Tommy Bain for preparing me for this day. They believe in me and push me to be my best.”
Legacy & Legends Softball: September 3rd, 2022