You don't have to look very hard to see where the improvement of the Wrangler Softball Program has come from over the past three years.  Head Coach Jeff Jackson has continued to move that program forward in a positive direction. 

Hired in the summer of 2017, Jackson led the Wranglers to a 39-12 record coaching a majority of the players that he did not recruit.  Fast forward two seasons and the leadership from Jackson, the Wrangler Softball team continues to build.  Take a look out on the softball field in the afternoon or inside the sports center after practice and Jackson is always there pushing his kids to improve on a daily basis. 

"Coach Jackson is one of the more dedicated coaches within the conference and his results over the past two years indicate how much our softball program has grown since his arrival" said Athletic Director Wayne Baker.  "During the COVID 19 situation, Jeff has done an outstanding job of virtual recruiting and staying in touch with our student-athletes from the 2020 season. I really hate that we lost the 2020 conference softball season as I believe OC was headed for an outstanding season." 

Jackson continues to bring in and develop quality players in their two years at Odessa.  He has had 13 Western Junior College Athletic Conference All-Conference Selections, three NJCAA All-Americans, and 13 players have signed to continue playing at the four year level. In addition, his team has seen tremendous success in the classroom.  

Q: What are you doing during COVID-19 to stay in touch with your student-athletes?
A: Just checking in with them weekly.  We have also started our remote workouts and grade checks. 

Q: How has COVID-19 changed your approach to coaching/recruiting for next year? 
A: Right now it's just a waiting game.  Luckily we're mostly done recruiting but once we get deeper into the summer, we may need to adjust.   

Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: Seeing our players grow and develop over their 2 years to become the best versions of themselves. 

Q: How has coaching changed from when you first started?
A: In just the last decade, softball has become extremely competitive at all levels.  You're seeing a younger generation of coaches come in at the top levels, and combined with some of the best coaches in the game, are changing things for the better. 

Q: Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do away from work?
A: I spend the majority of my free time with my kids but I really enjoy doing projects around the house or working in the yard whenever I have the chance.  Me and my wife love going to the movies whenever we can too. 

Q: What kind of music are you currently listening to?
A: Currently listening to the Frozen 2 soundtrack – My preferred music is Heavy Rock

Q: Something people don't know about you?
A: I think a lot of people would be surprised to know that I have a degree in mathematics...especially if they ever see me try to do simple math in my head. 

Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
A: I can solve a rubix cube 

Q: What are some things you have learned as a Coach?
A: Coaching has taught me countless lessons. If I have to pick one, I'd say I have learned a lot about thinking about things from another person's perspective. 

Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pizza

Q: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: We have a lot of international players and I would love to travel to their countries to see softball overseas.   

Q: What do you like about working at Odessa College?
A: The endless support from my athletic director and administration.