Jailyn Ford is a 5-foot-10 professional softball pitcher from Hot Springs, Virginia. She was acquired in the 3rd Round of the 2026 Allocation Draft following a collegiate career at James Madison.
Personal Life
Family: Daughter of Christie and Jeff Ford.
Education: Majored in sport and recreation management at James Madison.
Honors: Selected for induction into the James Madison University Athletics Hall of Fame in September 2026.
Professional Experience
Other Professional Experience (2016–2026)
NPF: No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NPF Draft by the Akron Racers. Led Akron to the 2017 NPF title and posted a 4-0 record with the NPF Champion USSSA Pride in 2018.
Japan Diamond League: Competed for Honda Reverta from 2017-25 before joining Toyota Red Terriers for the 2026 campaign.
International Experience (2013–2022)
Team USA: Led Team USA to a Gold medal at the 2022 World Games, posting a 1-0 record with a save. Guided the US to a Silver medal at the 2013 Junior Women’s World Championship. Earned two saves with a 1.40 ERA at the 2022 Canada Cup.
College Experience: James Madison (2013–2016)
Career Statistics: Started all 233 career games. Authored an 82-21 record as a pitcher with a 1.51 ERA (second-best in program history). Tallied 815 strikeouts, 70 complete games, and 31 shutouts. Offensively, posted a .339 batting average with 46 home runs and 156 RBIs.
Senior Year (2016): Posted a career-best 1.32 ERA. Hit .324 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs.
Junior Year (2015): Posted a 16-5 record with a 2.96 ERA and 192 strikeouts. Tossed the first perfect game in JMU history against East Carolina on April 15, 2015.
Sophomore Year (2014): Compiled a 24-7 record with a 1.26 ERA and nine shutouts. Hit .268 with nine home runs.
Freshman Year (2013): Set school records with 24 wins, 209 strikeouts, and 15 home runs.
Awards & Honors
All-America: Three-time NFCA All-America performer, including First-Team status as a senior. First player in James Madison history to earn NFCA All-America honors.
Conference Honors: Four-time Pitcher of the Year. CAA Player of the Year as a junior and senior. CAA Rookie of the Year in 2013.
