Russellville’s Jenna Whitfield signs with Itawamba CC for softball
Russellville High School softball standout Jenna Whitfield recently made her college plans official with a scholarship signing ceremony.
Whitfield will be joining the Itawamba Community College Indians in Fulton, Miss., after graduating from RHS in 2023. The student-athlete is a hard worker, and she can be seen participating in multiple sports on the courts and fields as a Golden Tiger.
“I’m kind of sad, but I’m happy at the same time,” Whitfield shared, “because I know I’ll be leaving all my friends, but I feel like this is a big opportunity for me to go off and play and make new friends and new memories. I’m very excited about it.”
Itawamba will be led this season by new head coach Kelly Beth Ernest, and Whitfield said she is looking forward to playing under her leadership and with the girls on the ICC squad.
“They have a new coach, and I’ve met her, and she has a great personality,” Whitfield said. “I love their facility, and I played with some of the girls on my travel ball team, and I know most of the girls that are playing now, and they love it.”
On the softball diamond, Whitfield hits for a high average, is speedy on the base paths and is outstanding with the glove out in the field. Her talents allowed her to participate in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Softball Game in Montgomery this past summer.
With another season left to play at RHS, some of Whitfield’s goals include winning the area and making it to state.
“Jenna has been starting on varsity ever since she was in eighth grade, before I got here,” said Russellville head coach Josh Graham. “Ever since I’ve been here, she’s continued to improve and impress the whole time.
“She’s been working really, really hard and has wanted this for a long time,” Graham added. “She’s got the opportunity to play at the next level, which a lot of people don’t, and she’s worked hard to get there – and she’s earned it.”
Before softball season arrives, Whitfield will soon be taking the court for her senior year of basketball at RHS. “She’s one of the most competitive kids you’re going to find out there,” said Russellville girls head basketball coach Jermaine Groce. “When she steps onto the floor or the field of competition, she’s going to give 110 percent. Her energy is going to be constantly high, and she has a will and desire to win.
“I’m excited for her and her opportunity to go onto play at ICC and accomplish some things,” Groce added. “I know she’ll do well, and she’ll battle and compete. When you have kids like that, it’s going to take you a long way. You can win with kids like that in any sport.”
