Big East star adds power and depth to Arizona lineup

TUCSON — Arizona softball has signed senior utility player Grace Jenkins, a transfer from UConn, the program announced Friday.

“We are so thrilled with the addition of Grace to our roster,” said head coach Caitlin Lowe.

“She brings a powerful left-handed bat, and her overall athleticism allows her to play multiple positions on the field. Grace is a woman of high character who has continued to grow throughout her college career. We look forward to her continued development as a Wildcat.”

Jenkins comes to Arizona after three standout seasons at UConn, where she was named Big East Player of the Year in 2025. She holds a .384 career batting average, with 155 hits, 45 doubles, 27 home runs, and a 696-slugging percentage. She also recorded 129 RBI and a .484 on-base percentage. Defensively, she maintained a .993 fielding percentage in 721 chances as a catcher.

Her 2025 season was historic. The Folsom, California native hit .424, the second-highest single-season average in UConn history, and broke multiple school records, including:

19 doubles

21 home runs

68 RBI

65 runs scored

39 walks

154 total bases

Jenkins led the team in multi-RBI games (19) and multi-hit games (18) and ended the season with a 32-game on-base streak. She also became UConn’s career leader in doubles (51) and RBI (138).

In 2024, she posted a .344 average, with 40 RBI, 16 doubles, and 23 walks. As a freshman, she earned Big East Freshman of the Year after leading UConn with 44 RBI and 17 doubles.

Jenkins earned three All-Big East selections and was named to the Big East Honor Roll seven times.

She joins fellow transfers Jalen Adams, Jenae Berry, Addison Duke, Tele Jennings, and Sereniti Trice as part of Arizona’s transfer class. The Wildcats will also welcome freshmen Molli Daley, Rylie Holder, Kezi Lucas, and Sina Talataina this fall.

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