Jada Speed ’26 steps up to the batter’s box and silence falls across the field. Digging 
her cleats into the ground, she swings her bat and a loud ringing of her metal bat can 
be heard across the field. 

Speed has been playing softball for over 10 years. Originally a cheerleader, she 
switched to softball and became consumed by it, following in her older sister’s 
footsteps, eventually evolving into an impactful player on the softball team.

“I started off doing cheer because of my older sister. We all did cheer, but then I 
ended up quitting to play softball because my older sister played softball. I kind of 
just followed in her footsteps with playing softball,” said Speed.

Over the years, softball has 
become much more than a 
competition, rather a way to 
build relationships and learn 
for Speed. The relationships 
she has formed with her 
teammates have been one of 
the most meaningful parts of 
the sport.

“We always love hanging out 
with each other outside of the 
sport,” said Speed. “ I feel like 
just having that kind of tightknit group always helps us have 
fun on the field.”

Speed joined the Princeton 
High School softball team in 
her freshman year. Initially, she 
split her time between JV and 
Varsity. Later on, her unique 
abilities quickly stood out, earning her a full-time spot on the varsity team. Since 
then, she has found success, having a high .275 batting average overall and hitting 
.362 last year, the second highest on the team. 

Marrissa Soprano, head coach of the softball team, spoke highly of Speed’s 
performance. Soprano was very quick to point out her offensive abilities, which 
have helped to establish her as a key member of the lineup.

“Jada plays travel softball, so that really helps. When she first came in, she was 
a strong player already, which was great,” said Soprano. “Her strength has always 
been hitting, so we were very excited for her to join the program and be a very solid 
hitter for us in the lineup.” 

One of Speed’s strengths is her ability to deliver at the plate. As a strong hitter, she 
has hit multiple home runs for the team in the past seasons, providing some of the 
most exhilarating moments for her team, herself, and her coaches. 

“She’s hit some home runs for 
us, and that is always very exciting 
when she’s able to hit over the fence,” 
said Soprano.

Throughout her four years 
of playing for PHS, Speed has 
continued to improve as a player, 
a teammate, and a leader. As a 
senior, she is now part of a group 
of experienced players who help 
guide the younger players and set 
expectations for the team.

“She is part of a big group of girls 
that have played off for years, so it’s 
been fun to see them all get better at 
their skills,” said Soprano. “Also to be 
good examples for underclassmen, 
and showing them what to do, like 
conducting themselves on the team.”

Teammates have also highlighted 
her leadership skills as one of her strengths. 

“Jada brings a lot of laughs to the team. She is a force to be reckoned with. So she 
brings a lot of fun, fun energy, just because people are motivated by her,” said Simryn 
Patel ’26, who has played with Jada since their freshman year.

While Speed’s presence on the PHS softball team definitely left a mark, her final 
season is colored by a complex blend of emotions. While she is ready to continue 
playing softball into her fourth season of high school, it will be bittersweet leaving 
behind the group that has shaped her as a player.

“Oh, definitely really sad because it’s my senior season, so I’m leaving the best 
group of girls behind,” said Speed.

Looking ahead, Speed hopes to continue playing softball after graduating high 
school.

“I definitely see myself trying to play in college,” said Speed.

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