A Hoosier At Heart: 2028 Jillian DeYoung Makes Indiana Home

Jillian DeYoung's interest in becoming a nurse stemmed from the classes she's taking in high school and wanting to help people. During the recruiting process, the 2028 right-hander sought to find a college where she could pursue that potential career and thrive in the circle.

DeYoung won't be going far. The St. John, Indiana native is staying in the state after recently committing to Indiana University.

"Becoming a nurse straight out of college definitely had a huge impact on my decision," DeYoung said. "Just stepping on campus, I loved it there. The coaches are awesome and I know they will push me and challenge me to get the most out of myself and help me become the best player I can be."

DeYoung plays for Indiana Magic Gold 18U and Hanover Central High. This past season, she helped Hanover Central win an IHSAA Class 3A state title. DeYoung gave up seven hits while striking out 11 in the 6-4 win over New Palestine in the championship game.

DeYoung began playing softball at age 4, and has been a pitcher from the start. Her mom pitched in high school before playing basketball at North Central College. Her dad was a pitcher for the baseball team at North Central. Her parents coached her first travel softball team and they challenged the players by competing against older teams.

"I've learned that if you want to be the best, you have to play the best," DeYoung said. "I love leading every play as a pitcher and commanding the field. I'm very competitive and love being challenged."

DeYoung's mentality can be partly attributed to her upbringing. Along with her athletic parents, she has two brothers—ages 21 and 17—who play baseball.

"It definitely made me a much more mature person," DeYoung said. "I think growing up with older siblings, they set the tone. You can't fool around. Everything was very competitive in my household because all three of us are athletes and it was a very fun household with us three."

DeYoung is a big fan of scary movies like Conjuring and Insidious, and her favorite holiday is Christmas.

"I start listening to Christmas music in September and never get sick of it," she said.

DeYoung gives weekly pitching lessons to players in her area, and enjoys seeing them improve and build confidence.

"I love teaching young girls the game of softball, especially at the camps my high school hosts in the fall and winter," she said. "IU Softball has the Lil Sis program, and I can't wait to be a part of that."

DeYoung attended many camps and was introduced to numerous coaches throughout her recruiting process. In the end, she felt the pull to remain a Hoosier.

"I definitely took it all in. When September 1 hit, I got a lot of calls. It took two days for me to call everybody back," she said. "But the second I stepped on IU's campus, I just loved it so much. It's very convenient only being three hours away. I fell in love with everybody there, and it just felt like home."