Chippewas Assistant Takes a Swing at Pro Ball
5/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Jessica Bracamonte began her college softball career at Michigan State University in relieved fashion, having accomplished one of her lifelong goals by playing at the NCAA Division I level.
As her MSU career wound down in 2011, Bracamonte began to search for ways to continue playing, eyeing the four-team National Pro Fastpitch League, one of the few options available to softball players post-college.
“Playing college ball was always a dream of mine, and I was fortunate enough to realize that goal,” said Bracamonte, who recently completed her first season as an assistant under Margo Jonker at Central Michigan. “But it was over too quickly, and so I went to look for other opportunities to continue playing.”
The Chicago Bandits were Bracamonte's first choice on where to continue her career, though not her only consideration.
“There are only four teams in the league, and I was willing to play anywhere I got in, but I love Chicago and I know it’s a great organization, so that was definitely my first choice,” she said.
After trying out last summer and not making a team, Bracamonte accepted an invitation to the Bandits’ training camp this spring, signed a one-year contract in mid-March, and will report to the team next week.
The season opens May 29 and the schedule comprises about 40 games, ending in August. The vast majority of the players are former collegians, many of whom are now in the coaching ranks.
Bracamonte got into coaching immediately after her playing days at MSU were complete, serving as a student assistant for the Spartans in 2012. In 2013, she worked as an assistant at Golden West Community College near her hometown, Hacienda Heights, Calif., about 20 minutes outside Los Angeles.
She said she plans to return to CMU next season and again work as an assistant under Jonker, her top goal for now is to continue playing the game she loves.
“Just keep living the dream,” she said. “That’s what I’ll do as long as I’m coaching in a program that allows me to do it.
“Coaching as a career is what I want to do, but I’ll put off my career for a while. When they tell me I’m too old or I’m not what they’re looking for any more, then I’ll continue to pursue coaching.”
Working under Jonker, one of college softball’s legendary coaches, gives Bracamonte a leg up in the coaching game.
“Jessica has been a great addition to our staff, and we’re very excited for her to represent our program in the professional league,” Jonker said. “It’s been a dream of hers to play pro ball, and now she has the opportunity to do so, so I’m proud of her and excited for her at the same time.”