Meet Jayde Palmer: #1 Overall Top Prospect (2028 Class); Speedy 5'10" 5-Tool SS/C; "Complete Player"
Tennessee Mojo Fastpitch Organization
Name: Jayde Palmer
Nickname: “Boogie”
Hometown: Avon, Ohio (OH)
Grad Year: 2028
Travel Team: TN Mojo 2027 - Palmer
Middle School: Avon Middle School
Positions: SS, C
Height: 5’10”
Bat/Throw: R/R
Overhand Velocity: 65 mph
Home to First: 2.78
Email: jayde_boogie23@icloud.com
Twitter: JaydePalmer23
Instagram: jayde_palmer23
You’re an elite blue-chip prospect. The top overall prospect in your 2028 class. What else can you tell us about yourself? I come from a large, athletic family. Dad – Joey, Mom – Melissa, Sister – Justice 19, Brother – Jace 16, Sister – Jeorgia 10. My parents were both athletes, my mom played college basketball. My older sister is a D1 softball player at Ohio University and my brother is high school QB prospect. I’m a multi-sport athlete that loves to compete in everything, sports, school, board games, pretty much anything!
How did your softball journey begin? Playing 2-year-old tee ball for my godmother. I was so shy I wouldn’t hit unless she asked everyone to turn their backs to me and not watch.
Jayde taking her pre-pitch hop at SS this Fall
What are your greatest strengths as a softball player? Always giving 110% and being extremely competitive. I compete to win in everything I do. My parents have always pushed me to be a well-rounded softball player and I feel like I can play every position on the field, except for Pitcher. I’m also very good on the bases (Thanks to Rock Thompson with the Birmingham Thunderbolts) and this Fall I went 28 of 28 in stolen bases in only 26 games this Fall, primarily playing against older competition.
What is your favorite sports memory and greatest achievement? Getting invited to the USA Softball, All-American Event in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (OKC) back-to-back years, and representing two different states (AL and OH). Also, never making a B in school. Right now, I have straight A’s while taking 4 honors classes!
What kind of hitter are you? Gap to gap/line drive hitter. I’m working on getting more out of my lower half and using my power. I can also use my speed and play small ball when needed.
Jayde was among the top hitters for Mojo this past Summer and Fall. Her brightest spot was at PGF Nationals where she led the team with a .519 average and 7 for 7 stolen bases.
How do you handle adversity and even failure? I try to be my best in every situation. Everyone fails, so I try to understand that, learn from my failure and be better the next time.
How would your teammates and friends describe you? Tall, athletic, mature, loyal, genuine, hard worker, leader, responsible, and high game IQ (I polled my school and travel teammates)
Who is your role-model and or idol and why? My sister Justice Palmer because she has always pushed me to be better, whether it’s her working with me hitting or me just wanting to be better than her.
Jayde's sister Justice Palmer who plays softball at Ohio University
If you could spend a day with any softball player, former or current, who would it be and why? Sydney Romero because she is my favorite softball player and I love watching her play. Close second is Taylor Pleasants because people always compare me to her, and we have a similar build and we both play SS. I love trying to make plays like her!
Tell us about your current travel softball team. I play for Tennessee Mojo 2027-Palmer, and we have one of the most talented rosters in the country for our age group. We have some of the biggest bats and one of the best pitching staffs. Several of us are already being noticed by college coaches.
Team pic from this Fall after finishing 2nd in the Mojo Showcase
What is your softball dream/goal? To play college softball and to be on the USA Olympic team!
What is your favorite jersey number and why did you choose it? #23 is my favorite jersey number in all sports. My mom was #23 when she played basketball, my older sister has always been #23 because of my mom, so I carry on the tradition. I also love Michael Jordan!
What other hobbies do you have to balance out softball and your personal life? I just started playing volleyball this year and really liked it. I play school basketball and AAU travel basketball.
Jayde played Volleyball for the first time this Fall and she was fortunate to help lead her team to a conference championship. Jayde’s vertical allows her to slap a back board in basketball and play above the net in volleyball.
Who would you like to thank for your softball achievements and support? First, I would like to thank my parents. They support me, and my 3 other siblings, in everything we do. I could never thank them enough. Second, I would like to thank all the coaches that have supported me and pushed me so far in my career. I will continue to work hard and make you proud.
Coaches’ Quotes About Jayde:
“I recently had the opportunity to coach Jayde during the 2022 12u USA All-American games. Jayde’s presence on the field and knowledge of the game is wise beyond her years. Her 5’10 frame is deceiving because she’s very quick. Her range enables her to go deep in the hole at shortstop or field a ball up the middle that you thought was getting through. She has one of strongest and most accurate arms I’ve seen at her age. Jayde puts the ball in play every time she’s up to bat hitting power line drives and the long ball. She led the team in RBI’s and had zero strikeouts against some of the best pitching in the country during the AAG’s. What I love most about Jayde is her respect for the game, coaches, and teammates. Without a doubt, Jayde Palmer is one of the top players in the country in the class of 2028.”
Jodi Albertson
Head Coach
12u USA Region 2 Stripes
“Jayde Palmer is a tremendous athlete who projects as a D1 player in many positions. You could find her at SS, CF or behind the plate. Her smooth hands, strong arm, and great speed will all give her an advantage and the opportunity to play at the next level.”
Current NCAA D1 Head Coach
(Asked to remain anonymous)
Additional Information About Jayde:
Walk up Song: Icy GRL by Saweetie
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Song: Snow on the Beach - Taylor Swift
Favorite Music Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Sports Team: Oklahoma Sooners and New York Yankees
Favorite Sports Celebrity: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Steph Curry
Favorite Movie: The Devil Wears Prada
Favorite Sports Movie: The Sandlot
Favorite TV Show: Great British Baking Show
Favorite Travel Spot: 30A in Florida
Favorite Quote: A Lion doesn’t have to tell you they are a Lion…
Published by: Coach Johnny Rios; Legacy & Legends Softball; December 5, 2022