Jessica Kaurich, Hamilton Heights’ senior, has signed a letter of intent to play softball for the Grace College Lancers this fall. Grace College is a member of the Crossroads League. She is the daughter of Kelley and Jeanine Kaurich.
Grace College was Kaurich’s college of choice to continue her education and playing softball at the collegiate level. “I love the small, Christian college environment at Grace,” explained Kaurich, who plans to work in a pediatric intensive care unit of a hospital to help the sickest children heal and find comfort after earning her nursing degree. “I’m excited to play for Coach Nora Reece because of her intense and positive approach to the game and love of her players.”
Kaurich has found success and recognition in the classroom and on the field. She holds a 3.91 grade-point average, is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, a Husky Ambassador, and among the students pictured on HHHS Wall of Academic Excellence.
She has been playing softball since age six and a member of a travel team since age eight. A varsity starter since joining the high school softball team as a freshman, this team captain helped take her team to semi state play her freshmen and sophomore years; earned Honorable Mention as a freshman; named to the First Team All-Conference, First Team All County Team; and received the Coaches Choice Award as a sophomore and junior. Wearing the No. 7 jersey, Kaurich, a catcher, has proven to be a solid force who is looking forward to her senior season.
Kaurich credits Chris Norwood, head coach of the Indiana Mayham, as a major influence in her athletic development over the years. “Coach Norwood coached me for three formative years (aged 11-14),” said Kaurich. “He taught me discipline, increased my skill level and gave me a love for the game which has only increased over time.”
“I have coached Jessica since her freshman year,” said Landi Lockwood, Hamilton Highs Girls Softball Coach. “She is one of the hardest working athletes I have coached. She shows up early, stays late, works with other teammates to help them if they ask her. She is one of a kind. Her dedication to the game and love of the game is undeniable. What I believe sets Jessica apart from the rest are the qualities she has that you can’t coach. She has passion for the game, grit and determination, heart, is a leader, wants to do well, wants her teammates to do well and wants to win at all times. She can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.”
“Jessica is one of my favorite players over a 22-year coaching career,” added Club Coach Chris Norwood. “She is always positive, willing to do whatever it takes to make herself and her team better, and is the player you want at the plate with the game on the line.”
Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights Athletic Director, said, “Jessica is a special student/athlete at Hamilton Heights. She leads by example in and out of the classroom, works extremely hard at everything she does and is one of the most polite kids I’ve ever met. Her leadership skills will certainly be missed. We wish her well in her new softball venture at Grace College.”
Hamilton Heights’ senior Jessica Kaurich has signed a letter of intent to play softball for Grace College at Winona Lake, Indiana. Kaurich (seated) is pictured with her family (l-r) brother Cayman, parents Kelley and Jeanine, and brother Colin. (Photo courtesy Hamilton Heights)