Last season was one for the record books for NC State softball’s sophomore outfielder Jade Caraway. In her first year, Caraway led the team in four categories; batting average, triples, on-base percentage and hits, breaking school records with a .389 batting average and five triples, while tying the school record for hits with 72.
Caraway has always been a force on the field. She was a varsity starter for four years at West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida, where she was named first team All-State every year, Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and Metro Spring Female Athlete of the Year in 2016, which was also the year she helped lead her team to a state championship.
Not only does she get it done on the field though, but she is also a force in the classroom. Caraway was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Government Association while in high school, and made the ACC Honor Roll and the All-ACC Academic Team in her first year at NC State. Balancing school and softball is something Caraway has learned to deal with.
“I usually work ahead with my homework,” Caraway said. “I have a planner written out and keep track of everything I have upcoming for the whole semester. I also take online classes, which I find easier, so I can work on them while we’re traveling.”
The Wolfpack will travel to Fort Myers, Florida, for the FGCU Kickoff Classic from Feb. 9-11, which is only three hours outside of Caraway’s hometown of Winter Gardens.
“I’m looking forward to our season opener in Florida,” Caraway said. “It’s my birthday weekend, my family will be there and I’m excited to see how the team comes out.”
NC State went 18-38 last season, and made it to the semifinals of the ACC Tournament. Caraway is hoping to turn that around this season as team success has always been the biggest motivation for her. While she racks up the individual accomplishments, her only real goal is to get wins.
“I just want to do everything I can to contribute to team success,” Caraway said. “I want to have a winning season, dominate the ACC, win the ACC and play in the postseason.”
Head coach Sean Rychcik echoed these sentiments when discussing Caraway’s work ethic and demeanor toward the game.
“She’s a competitor,” Rychcik said. “Losing is something that she struggles with and doesn’t want to be a part of. She understands the balance though, and as a leader on this team she manages it well.”
Caraway is known to put in the extra work necessary to be great. She shows up to practice early and goes hard in everything she does, but while she takes her craft seriously she’s also fun to be around according to teammates.
“Very focused during practice, but also knows the appropriate times to make jokes and have fun,” sophomore Haley Finn said.
When Caraway’s not playing softball or doing school work, you can find her at the nearest shopping mall or beach.
“I love shopping,” Caraway said. “I love the beach, or anything outdoors really I love to do. Nothing compares to Florida beaches though, that’s what I miss the most.”
While she was able to enjoy those beaches in the offseason, her focus is now on the season ahead. Coach Rychcik’s emphasis with Caraway this year is on dealing with expectations after an outstanding freshman season.
“The sophomore year is a challenge,” Rychcik said. “She’ll have high expectations, people will realize ‘Hey, we’ve got to get her out.’ Now, it’s not as easy, you’re not the nobody now, people are really shooting for you. There are some challenges for her in the ups and downs, and I think that’s what she’ll need to have a good balance on.”
If her preseason is any indication then Caraway is set for an incredible year.
“She only had one hit in eight games through the fall [last year]. Then she came out and hit like crazy when the season started,” Rychcik said “We laugh because she had four hits [this past fall]. We’re really excited about this year.”
