Portland’s Jayden Townsend to continue softball career at Alma College

Portland High School senior Jayden Townsend recently committed to continue her softball career at Alma College next year.

While at Portland, Townsend played one year of varsity basketball and four years of varsity softball.  She also participated in the volleyball and golf programs. 

On the softball team, Townsend has started at second base and pitcher, and was regularly one of the team’s top hitters.

In her sophomore season, she pitched 153 innings and struck out 152 batters.  At the plate she batted .476 and led the team with 49 hits.  She was named:

• Team MVP

• Team Co-Captain

• Team Outstanding Offensive Player

• Team Outstanding Defensive Player

• CAAC All-Conference

• Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association All-District

In her junior season, she pitched 118 innings and struck out 77 batters. At the plate she batted .366 with 41 hits.  She was named:

• Team MVP

• Team Co-Captain

• Team Co-Outstanding Offensive Player

• CAAC All-Conference

• Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association All-District

• Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association All-Region

When asked about her decision to attend Alma, Townsend said, “I have been visiting Alma for years with my family, and have attended many camps there.  I have always felt very comfortable on campus, and the coaches have always made me feel right at home.”

Townsend’s connection with Alma College runs deep.  Her older brother Reese recently finished his junior year on the Scots nationally ranked football team.  Her mother, Sarah, played four years of softball for the Alma squad where she was named third team all-American, played three years in the college’s basketball program, and was inducted to the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame with two of her softball teams that made deep runs in the NCAA tournament.  Her dad was a four-year starter for the Scots football team. 

As for her time at Portland, Townsend said, “I really want to thank all my great teammates at Portland.  I have many great memories with them.  I also want to thank my coaches for all they have done for me.”

According to the school’s website, Alma College, founded in 1886, is a four-year residential liberal arts college located in the heart of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. A deep regard for students as individuals is fundamental to an Alma education, with small classes and many opportunities for one-on-one collaboration with dedicated faculty.

The Alma athletic programs compete at the NCAA Division III level.  The school’s softball program is regularly one of the best in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and has made several runs deep into the NCAA tournament including multiple final four appearances. Head Softball coach Denny Griffin recently picked up his 1,000th win and is among the top in the country among active coaches.

Photo courtesy of PHS Athletic Department.