WAYNE, N.J.  – William Paterson has tabbed Jessica Jacobson to lead its softball program as the Pioneers' head coach. Jacobson brings to Wayne more than a decade of Division I coaching experience following a four-year playing career at The College of New Jersey.
 
Most recently, she was the assistant/pitching coach at the University of Connecticut (2019-21), managing the pitching staff and bullpen as the Huskies earned a runner-up finish in the 2021 BIG EAST Tournament. Additionally, she directed all pitcher recruiting, managed team administrative support staff, established and executed goal-setting strategies for all members of the program, built alumnae relations and fundraising efforts, managed camps, and fostered both student-athlete development and a championship team culture.
 
"We are excited to announce Jess Jacobson as the next head coach of our softball program," WP Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Kristen Foley said. "Throughout her impressive career, Jess has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a special enthusiasm and passion for the game of softball. She embodies the Division III philosophy and will provide a terrific environment for our student-athletes to succeed on and off the field. We are looking forward to her leadership and welcome Jess to the William Paterson community."
 
Jacobson was the associate head coach (2011-19) and assistant/pitching coach (2009-10) at Elon University. While there, her pitching charges broke numerous program season and career records, including the school's first two female all-Americans in Kara Shutt '18 and Tomeka Watson '13. The program's recruiting coordinator, she assisted the head coach with every aspect of the program while managing the full scope of the pitching staff. Among her recruits was Emily Roper '17, her class's valedictorian.
 
"I would like to thank Athletic Director Kristen Foley, Associate Vice President Francisco Diaz, the Search Committee, and all other University leadership for giving me this opportunity and welcoming me into the William Paterson family," said Jacobson. "This opportunity comes after a long coaching journey away from New Jersey. Along the way, I have been so grateful to have the unconditional support of my village -- my family and amazing mentors, coaches, former players and friends who have helped me grow into the person I am today. They have prepared me to lead a program of my own.
 
"I am passionate about my roots in Division III and am excited to get back into the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) as a coach," Jacobson continued. "As an NJAC softball player, I was able to experience ultra-competitive softball alongside enriching academics and extra-curricular activities. I am an achievement-driven coach and love to teach the game. I hope to help our players reach and exceed their life goals and advocate for them in whatever roles they strive for in their adulthood. My energies will be focused on giving the softball student-athletes at William Paterson an experience that helps them graduate with direction, achieve softball success and vie for conference championships, and be good citizens in the community. I am so excited to be a part of this committed softball program, department, and university and build on the foundation of success the alumnae have laid for us. I can't wait to get started."
 
Jacobson has New Jersey coaching ties, serving as an assistant at Saint Peter's University (2010-11) and Drew University (2008), and she also was a graduate assistant/pitching coach at the University of New Haven (2008-09).
 
Jacobson was the winner of the 2007 HONDA Inspiration Award, given annually to one female NCAA student-athlete who has overcome adversity to excel in her sport, showing strength in character and setting an example for young women. She was a second-team all-region and all-New Jersey Athletic Conference selection during her playing career at TCNJ (2003-07).
 
She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and psychology at TCNJ in 2007, and a master's in management of sports industries at New Haven in 2009. She also has expanded her own professional credentials as a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and UConn's Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and graduated from the Women's Coaches Academy administered by WeCOACH and the NCAA.

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