TAMPA, Fla., May 7, 2024 – When USF softball center fielder Jordyn Kadlub was small, her father saw the future. The speed, the instincts, the athleticism … it was all there. He joked with his wife that they wouldn't need to worry about university tuition. One day, she would thrive in a college sport.
 
Kadlub's father was proven correct.
 
Kadlub's path to prosperity wasn't a straight line. There were potholes and a few detours. Look at her now. She's one of the nation's premier defensive players, a vital cog as the Bulls prepare for the American Athletic Conference Tournament in Wichita, Kansas. No. 8-seeded USF (34-21) opens against the No. 5-seeded Tulsa Golden Hurricane (29-22) on Wednesday.
 
USF must win four games in order to win the AAC championship and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
 
"I don't know what my life is going to be like without softball, so I'm trying to enjoy every moment, every pitch,'' said Kadlub, in her sixth USF season following a redshirt and a COVID year.
 
Kadlub has earned her bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences and she's completing a master's in marketing. So clearly, she's programmed for success.
 
It mirrors the preparation and versatility she displayed at Pasco High School, where she was the valedictorian in addition to being an all-conference player in soccer and softball.
 
She could've easily played big-time college soccer. Kadlub became one of the top strikers ever seen in the Tampa Bay area, being named the North Suncoast Player of the Year by the Tampa Bay Times. But softball was her first choice and pitching appeared to be her USF position.
 
After a series of injuries, Kadlub was forced to reverse course and make herself into an outfielder. It has worked marvelously — and maybe it's the place she should've been all along.
 
Kadlub has made one error during her entire USF career — one! — while constantly producing fodder for the producers who select ESPN's nightly top 10 plays.
 
"Jordyn is pretty darn spectacular roaming around out there in center and she has prevented so many runs,'' Bulls coach Ken Eriksen said. "She's a winning player. She's relentless in her pursuit of excellence. Any coach would love to have a player like Jordyn Kadlub in their lineup and helping to lead their defense.''
 
"I've been at USF two years and I've never seen her drop a ball or make any mistakes,'' Bulls utility player Marissa Trivelpiece said. "I actually can't even picture her making a mistake out there. I know she used to pitch, but Jordyn's speed is a tremendous weapon. She looks like such a natural in center field. When a ball is hit her way, we all get a good, secure feeling.''
 
Kadlub, who "gives us a very competitive at-bat'' according to Eriksen, said she has learned to love the value of defense. Diving catches are her favorite plays. She dreams of one day leaping at the wall to rob an opposing home run.
 
"I like to see how much ground I can cover, especially at practice,'' Kadlub said. "Even if it looks like I have no shot, if I can get to the ball and catch it somehow, it's such a great feeling. Now I'm going to make smart decisions. I don't want the ball to get by me. But I'm going to go for it when I can.
 
"The game continues to throw new things at me, so I never stop working hard. Every day, there's a new part of the process.''
 
Kadlub wears No. 72 in honor of her father, Scott, who wore that number as an offensive lineman at Appalachian State. The father, a Chicago Bears fan, picked No. 72 because he liked the iconic William "The Refrigerator'' Perry.
 
Kadlub's mother, Kari, is the Pasco High principal and a holder of two USF degrees. Kadlub inherited a similar love and devotion for the Bulls.
 
"I could've made a different choice and played somewhere else for soccer, but I have cherished being here at USF,'' Kadblub said. "I'm one of those people who bleeds green and gold. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else. The relationships I've built here and the lessons I've learned, it's going to put me on the right path for life.''
 
Sometimes, a straight line isn't the best way to reach a destination. Kadlub believes that now.
 
"Through all of this, my love for softball has been the biggest thing,'' Kadlub said. "When I became an outfielder, it was committing to the process and trusting in him (Eriksen). The love of the game kept me going the whole time.
 
"I miss soccer every day and will always love those memories. But the experiences I've had through USF softball, I wouldn't trade them for the world. I hope we've got a whole lot of games left to play.''
 
About USF Softball
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 17 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012.