Jazzmaine Hammond’s softball journey began eight years ago for the Rosedale softball league where she became a dominant pitcher. She pursued her love for the sport and eventually joined Renaissance High School’s softball team. In 2013, as a freshman, she placed on varsity, earning the most leads on her team in home runs.
By the end of her freshman year, Hammond knew she wanted to play college level ball for a division one school. By 2014, colleges began to notice Hammond. She dedicated her sophomore year entirely to batting cages and lifting weights. As a result, she averaged .347 in hitting.
Junior year was her rise to stardom. Hammond placed second on the team for home runs. She faced a lot of obstacles and opposition, however, being turned down by colleges. They told her she wasn’t skilled enough or equipped for their teams. Although that feedback hindered her, she didn’t let it kill her motivation.
Despite college rejections, Hammond began to wake up early and run daily, training extra in the batting cage.
Jazzmaine’s father, Jermaine Hammond is her No. 1 supporter. He taught her everything she needed to know. He and her coaches molded Hammond into the star athlete she needed to become for recruiters.
Hammond’s father reminded her, that her time would come if she continued to work hard.
On Nov. 16, Hammond committed to Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she will be playing both center field/outfield.
Not only is Hammond a dominant player on the field, she scores high as well academically. She has earned a 3.4 grade-point average for all four years of high school and plans on majoring in electronic engineering. Hammond concludes her senior year at RHS as captain of the varsity softball team.
