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
Hobbies: Enjoys spending time outdoors and making maple syrup during the offseason.
Background: Names Jennie Finch and Monica Abbott as her softball idols and former James Madison head coach Mickey Dean as someone who made a difference in her life. Felt starstruck when she met Luke Bryan in Nashville. Her most prized possessions are her memories and moments shared with people. Wears No. 12, her number growing up and her father's number. Selected for induction into the James Madison University Athletics Hall of Fame in September 2026.
Education: Majored in sport and recreation management at James Madison.
Family: Daughter of Christie and Jeff Ford.
Professional Experience
Athletes Unlimited Softball League (2026-)
2026 AUSL Regular Season (Oklahoma City Spark): Jailyn Ford made 11 appearances, including two starts, in her first season with Oklahoma City. She went 3-3 with one save and a 4.52 ERA, striking out 40 in 31.0 innings. She earned her first AUSL win against Portland on July 5 and threw a complete-game win over Texas on July 14, allowing two runs on nine hits with eight strikeouts.
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.
