The Softball America Spotlight: 2026 Macey Jarose

As Softball America grows its coverage at all levels, we continue our recruiting spotlight series with Macey Jarose. The outfielder from Nebraska recently committed to Creighton University.

Name: Macey Jarose
Primary Position(s): OF
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Travel Ball Organization: Nebraska Gold National 16U

What is your favorite travel ball memory? 

My favorite travel ball memory was when I was going into my freshman year or 8th-grade summer in Peoria, Illinois. My team and I were competing in the Great Lakes National Tournament, and it was a game to keep us in the winner’s bracket since it was double elimination. We were up most of the game but fell shortly behind in the top of the sixth inning. We laid an egg in the field, and everyone around us thought we lost it. Not us though, we stayed in it. In the bottom of the sixth, we were running out of time, so one of my teammates bunted the ball but had her foot on home plate so we could get a third out and go back out on the field. She executed this bunt perfectly and everyone was shocked. We go back out on the field in the top of the seventh and we got a quick three outs. It came down to our last at-bats and we walked it off. It was a surreal feeling and one I’ll never forget. The atmosphere was crazy, and everyone around us stopped to watch the end of our game. I was so proud of my team and overly excited that we just walked it off. I’ll never forget that game or tournament. We ended up winning the tournament so we were National Champions.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from a coach?

The most important thing I’ve learned from a coach is that I can’t be perfect. I’m a perfectionist at times so being reminded that I am going to fail over and over again really helps clear that perfectionist mindset. I have to go out there and give my best at all times and whatever happens, happens. The game is set up to fail but it’s how you respond to failure that sets you apart from everyone else.

How did you get interested in softball? 

I was introduced to softball because growing up, I went to my dad’s men’s slow pitch softball games. My dad is my best friend, and my hero and I wanted to be just like him. I started off in T-ball just like every other kid, but I quickly began to grow a passion for the game. Because of softball, me and my dad have grown inseparable, and have created lifelong memories that I’ll forever cherish. I wouldn’t be the player or person I am today without him and all he does for me.

What are your strengths as a player? What are you trying to improve on the most? 

I would say I have a lot of strengths, but my main ones are speed and power. I love putting work in and the place I go to is Marsh Elite Performance and they’ve helped me as an athlete so much. Everything I do there translates to on the field. I have a good softball IQ which helps me run bases, and know where to go on defense. I’m always a play ahead. Hitting is my favorite part of the game, so I focus a lot on power and driving the ball to all spots on the field. I also love to go out there and compete but ultimately have fun. Something I’ve been working on to improve is the mental aspect of softball. Softball is a game of failure and overtime I’ve learned I have to be okay with failing. I am going to fail more than I succeed but it’s what I do when I fail that counts. I’m a perfectionist but perfection is impossible with this game, and over the years I’ve started to change my thoughts on being perfect. I’ve been reading lots of leadership and positive mindset books to help better myself mentally while playing softball and also giving all the glory to God. Because without him I wouldn’t be able to play softball, and I need to play for a bigger picture, rather than stats.

What player(s) do you look up to the most? 

I look up to lots of players but my main two are Jordy Bahl and Ken Griffey Jr. I look up to Jordy because she is a very hard worker, and I love her mindset and how she approaches the game. I’ve learned a lot while watching her play and watching her play helps me know that anything is possible. I’m also reminded when I watch her play to work hard because hard work pays off. She’s also a homegrown Husker and played for Nebraska Gold so it’s so cool to see all her success at Oklahoma and now Nebraska. I look up to Ken Griffey Jr. because he was also a hard worker and dominated the outfield. He reminds me to not be afraid to go get the ball, and that anything is possible out there. He made amazing catches and I strive to do that in the outfield. He also has one of the prettiest swings I’ve ever seen.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of softball? 

My favorite hobbies outside of softball are lifting, reading, spending time with my friends and family, and most importantly spending time with God. I also love to give back to the softball community and help give hitting and fielding lessons to little girls.

What excites you the most about playing college softball?

The thought of college is scary, but it’s approaching fast and I need to be ready for when that time comes. The thing I’m most excited about is to hopefully play collegiate softball at any level while pursuing a career in Sports Journalism or Physical Therapy. I’m excited to meet new people and start my journey to “adulthood.” Playing softball in college will make little Macey so happy, and also make big Macey happy knowing she achieved her goal. I can’t play softball forever so I need to make the most out of the time I have left.