Who is she? Jenna Smart Brooks, a former pitcher for the Delta State Lady Statesmen.
What is she known for? Smart Brooks ranks in the top ten in five different statistical categories in the Lady Statesmen record books, including fourth in career ERA (2.17) and strikeouts (330) and sixth in victories (33).
Here’s something interesting… Smart Brooks’ great, great grandfather was one of the founders of the Big Ten Conference. James Henry Smart was the the fourth president of Purdue University and, in 1895, was part of a contingent that gathered in Chicago to establish policies ‘aimed at regulating intercollegiate athletics.’ The conference was founded in 1905, then known as the Intercollegiate Conference Athletic Association.
Quotable quote: “My favorite memory from my playing career would have to be when I was given the opportunity as a sophomore in college to pitch against the 2004 women’s USA softball team. A few months later, they went on to win the gold medal in Athens, Greece, against Australia. Lisa Fernandez threw against us and she was so amazing. I remember just being in complete awe of their talent!”
What’s she up to now? After her playing career ended, Smart Brooks spent a year coaching at the private school level before rejoining her alma mater in a coaching position. She spent two years on staff with the Lady Statesmen and her coaching journey later led her to Iowa Central Community College; Missouri Southern State; and Central Arkansas. After leaving UCA, Smart Brooks now lives with her family in Dallas, Texas, where she gives private softball instruction and recently partnered with DFW Express/American Freedom Softball in Hurst, Texas.
Keep up: You can find Jenna on Instagram @ElitePitchingDFW_JBrooks and on Facebook.
