Softball | 5/14/2020 10:13:00 AM

Name: Jessica Gragg Hampton
Sport: Softball
Years: 2012-15
 
Jessica Gragg Hampton was an all-American and three-time All-MIAA performer at third base for the Hornets from 2012-15. She earned first-team All-Region honors from CoSIDA and the NFCA as a junior when she ranked second in the MIAA in RBI. Her 62 RBI in 2014 ranked fifth all-time for a single season at Emporia State. She came back from knee injury suffered during the NCAA Tournament her freshman year that limited her as a sophomore after earning second-team All-MIAA honors as a freshman. She is currently a teacher and assistant softball coach at Topeka West HS.
 
Why did you chose Emporia State?
I chose Emporia State because I knew it was the best place to prepare to become a teacher, while also being able to be a part of the best softball program!
 
What was your favorite memory as a student-athlete at Emporia State?
All of the memories with my team. There are too many to count honestly. Going undefeated in conference games my freshman year, bus rides, hostage, all the chest bumps, tarping the field, untarping the field, shoveling snow off the field, getting stuck in Texas because of a snow storm. Like I said, there are too many to count, the list could go on and on. 
 
What is your favorite non-sports memory from your days at ESU?
Meeting Russell Hampton, he's my husband now.
 
What is the greatest lesson you learned as a student athlete?
Take whatever role you play at any given moment and make the best of it. 
 
What advice would you pass along to current student athletes?
Be the best teammate you can be, don't take any moment for granted because as cheesy as it sounds, it will be over before you know it and you will miss it more than I can explain. Oh, and go to class, communicate with your professors and keep your grades up!