One of the top defensive players in the state of Florida joins Mississippi State as the fourth member of the 2018 class.
Jackie McKenna Signs as Fourth Member of MSU’s 2018 Class
December 05, 2017 | Softball
STARKVILLE, Miss. - One of the top infielders/catchers in the state of Florida will be joining the Mississippi State softball program as head coach Vann Stuedeman announced the signing of Jackie McKenna.
"Jackie comes to us from the fertile recruiting grounds of south Florida," Stuedeman said. "Known as one of the best defenders in her region, she offers arm strength behind the plate. She brings a level of toughness and grit at the catching positions that
we're excited about. She is a natural leader, and we can't wait to have her on campus."
The fourth member of the Bulldogs' 21st-ranked 2018 signing class, the Parkland, Fla., native comes to the Maroon and White as one of the best defensive players in the state.
"I chose Mississippi State because I felt at home as soon as I stepped on campus," McKenna said. "The environment of a small college town is something I've always pictured for myself. I have the opportunity to play for an incredible softball program in the best conference. The amazing facilities and coaching staff blew me away, and I knew State would be the place for me."
McKenna is preparing to take on her senior season as captain of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Lady Eagles after three stellar seasons playing under coach Brian Staubly.
Freshman year saw McKenna lead the Lady Eagles to the Class 8A District 11 Championship and the 2015 Region 3 Championship. Appearing in 14 games, McKenna held a .633 average en route to earning SDHS Freshman of the Year and All-Broward County laurels. McKenna followed up her rookie season leading the Lady Eagles to the district playoffs as a sophomore. She turned in another impressive performance at the plate with a .314 average.
The accolades rolled in for McKenna last season after leading the Lady Eagles to a 23-6 record and a second Class 8A District 11 Championship. McKenna was clutch in big moments, holding a .378 average at the plate with 26 RBI. The efforts earned First-Team All-Broward County honors and her first All-State selection as she secured a spot on the second team.
Turning to travel ball, McKenna has turned in an outstanding career, playing for coach Elieen Hannigan and the New Jersey Intensity. A season ago, she paced the Intensity to a top-15 finish at the Premier Girls Fastpitch Nationals in Huntington Beach, Calif., a tournament McKenna has competed each of the last three seasons.
A stud in the classroom, McKenna has earned a spot on SDHS' Academic Honor Roll over the last four years. She's also academically listed in the top 20 percent of the Eagle's 2018 class.
The daughter of John and Christina McKenna, Jackie will join her father and older brother as collegiate athletes in the family. Her father starred in baseball at Mercy College, while her brother John is currently a baseball standout at Army West Point.
For more on Mississippi State softball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateSB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
"Jackie comes to us from the fertile recruiting grounds of south Florida," Stuedeman said. "Known as one of the best defenders in her region, she offers arm strength behind the plate. She brings a level of toughness and grit at the catching positions that
we're excited about. She is a natural leader, and we can't wait to have her on campus."The fourth member of the Bulldogs' 21st-ranked 2018 signing class, the Parkland, Fla., native comes to the Maroon and White as one of the best defensive players in the state.
"I chose Mississippi State because I felt at home as soon as I stepped on campus," McKenna said. "The environment of a small college town is something I've always pictured for myself. I have the opportunity to play for an incredible softball program in the best conference. The amazing facilities and coaching staff blew me away, and I knew State would be the place for me."
McKenna is preparing to take on her senior season as captain of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Lady Eagles after three stellar seasons playing under coach Brian Staubly.
Freshman year saw McKenna lead the Lady Eagles to the Class 8A District 11 Championship and the 2015 Region 3 Championship. Appearing in 14 games, McKenna held a .633 average en route to earning SDHS Freshman of the Year and All-Broward County laurels. McKenna followed up her rookie season leading the Lady Eagles to the district playoffs as a sophomore. She turned in another impressive performance at the plate with a .314 average.
The accolades rolled in for McKenna last season after leading the Lady Eagles to a 23-6 record and a second Class 8A District 11 Championship. McKenna was clutch in big moments, holding a .378 average at the plate with 26 RBI. The efforts earned First-Team All-Broward County honors and her first All-State selection as she secured a spot on the second team.
Turning to travel ball, McKenna has turned in an outstanding career, playing for coach Elieen Hannigan and the New Jersey Intensity. A season ago, she paced the Intensity to a top-15 finish at the Premier Girls Fastpitch Nationals in Huntington Beach, Calif., a tournament McKenna has competed each of the last three seasons.
A stud in the classroom, McKenna has earned a spot on SDHS' Academic Honor Roll over the last four years. She's also academically listed in the top 20 percent of the Eagle's 2018 class.
The daughter of John and Christina McKenna, Jackie will join her father and older brother as collegiate athletes in the family. Her father starred in baseball at Mercy College, while her brother John is currently a baseball standout at Army West Point.
For more on Mississippi State softball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateSB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
SOFTBALL | Postgame Press Conference vs Texas (WCWS) 5/29/26
Friday, May 29
SOFTBALL | Postgame Press Conference at Oklahoma (NCAAT) 5/28/26
Thursday, May 28
SOFTBALL | Women's College World Series Media Day Press Conference
Wednesday, May 27
SOFTBALL | Super Regional at Oklahoma Game 3 Highlights - 5/24/26
Sunday, May 24