Freshman pitcher and first baseman Jessica Wakeman has been a key member of the Lady Jags softball team and has high hopes for the playoffs.

“For me, it’s all about the team effort,” Wakeman said. “I want everyone to be positive.”

Wakeman, 20, psychology major, began playing softball at 8 years old. She played at Leigh High School in San Jose, but says she did not enjoy it.

“They took the love out of the game,” Wakeman said. “It was too much about politics.”

Wakeman originally received an academic and athletic scholarship to attend Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, Calif., however, she could not attend for financial reasons.

After her time at SJCC, Wakeman hopes to attend a four-year university and possibly play softball.

“It depends on the offers I get,” Wakeman said.

With her psychology degree, Wakeman would like to work as a sports psychologist for her favorite sports team, the San Francisco Giants, and coach as well. She says she wants to use her player experience and understanding of the sport to her advantage.

“I’d like to focus on the mental aspect of the game,” Wakeman said.

Wakeman said she enjoys all types of music and her favorite foods are sushi and fruit.