Chelsea High School
When most students this time of the year are focused on finishing the school year, Chelsea High School’s Jaclyn Draeger looking to make her last season of slow pitch softball one to remember.
The senior started playing softball when she was only five years old. The journey has come full circle for Draeger and her head coach.
“Playing at Chelsea is special because I get to play for my father,” said Draeger.
While coach Quint Draeger is the head coach, Jaclyn has become one of the best to ever suit up for Chelsea softball. A four-year starter, Draeger holds all of the school records for offense in slow pitch and was All-Conference Co-MVP in 2023 for fastpitch. But when you ask Draeger about the team, she loves to talk about her teammates.
“I love that my teammates celebrate my victories with me and understand my frustration when I mess up. The teammate that impresses me the most would have to be Madison Wammock, because she is so hard on herself and puts in work to make herself better. The person on my team that keeps everyone laughing is Kaylee Lentz, because she does not know what time or place means,” said Draeger.
Draeger is more than just a softball player; she is the current class president, National Honor Society President, and Valedictorian for the Class of 2024.
“It is a small school, so the teachers work with you when you have to miss, and they support you in everything you do. I also love the fact that we don’t have many athletes in the school, so multiple sports share the same people, so you get very close very quickly. I am involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Native American Student Association,” said Draeger.
After graduation, Draeger plans to continue her education and softball career at the next level.
“After I graduate, I plan to attend Grayson College on a softball scholarship and figure out the rest while I am there,” said Draeger.
Draeger also completes in basketball and cross country where she has enjoyed much success their as well. But softball is her sport and there are many great memories from her years on the diamond.
“My favorite memory would have to be regionals this year when we had so many delays and I was sick out of my mind, but my team and I had a blast playing those few days,” said Draeger.
When time allows, Draeger said she enjoys hanging out with family and friends, eating Chick-fil-A and watching Gossip Girl.
