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Buford sophomore Jordan Deep may have missed 11 games at the beginning of the season due to a hamstring injury, but the power hitter certainly didn’t miss a beat when she finally returned to the lineup.
“In her first game back, she doubled off the fence,” said coach Tony Wolfe.
In just 13 games this season, Deep has three home runs, 14 RBIs, seven doubles and two triples on 16 hits, including her stellar performances last week against Dawson County, East Hall, Rockmart and Fannin County, when she went 8 for 11 with four doubles, a triple, four runs scored and five RBIs.
For her efforts, Deep has been named The Times Athlete of the Week.
Deep began playing softball at a young age and has always been a natural hitter. Last season with the Lady Wolves, Deep hit seven home runs and had a .383 batting average, but she is already improving on those numbers with a .444 average in her short season.
“She’s the power hitter in the lineup,” said Wolfe. "She’s going to hit it hard, and she’s usually going to hit it far. She’s given us a big bat in the middle of the order, and she’s a really good second baseman that gives us some stability on defense.”
“I’m all about power,” Deep said, “Home runs are pretty much what I’m in for.”
Her numbers, however, only tell part of the story.
Deep’s love for the sport goes above and beyond RBIs and hits. She admits that coming back from injury was difficult, but she was determined to battle through.
“I could never live without softball,” Deep said. “That’s who I am; that’s what I’ve always done.”
Deep was an integral part of the team even as a freshman last season according to Wolfe, and she learned many lessons from last year’s seniors.
“It’s hard to be a leader as a sophomore,” Wolfe said.
“But she took some lessons to heart last year, like the way they carry themselves and the expectations they have. She’s a big part of our program.”
Deep said she wanted to follow in the footsteps of those leaders, even if they left big shoes to fill. She is a prominent member of the young core of this season’s Lady Wolves, and her role is only going to grow stronger as she develops.
“She’s one of the many great kids we have,” Wolfe said. “She’s an outstanding student, and she loves the game of softball.
“Her work ethic kind of encourages others and they follow suit. The confidence she brings to the ballpark lifts everyone else’s confidence.”
Right now, Deep hopes to carry that confidence into tonight’s rematch with Dawson County in the Region 7-AAA Tournament, but as for the future, Deep said she doesn’t really care where she plays, as long as she does.
“It’s always just been my one true passion, she said. “It’s something I always want to do.”
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