Serenity Jacoway: Pitching with Purpose, Leading with Pride

Native Athlete Spotlight: Serenity Jacoway

Interview conducted by Daybreak Star Radio Sports Producer, Jermaine Jackson

At Daybreak Star Radio, we’re committed to indigenizing the airwaves by uplifting Native athletes whose journeys reflect resilience, leadership, and purpose. In this episode of The Winner’s Edge, Sports Producer Jermaine Jackson sat down with Serenity Jacoway, one of Oklahoma’s brightest softball talents and a rising force at the collegiate level.

A proud member of the Seminole Nation from Oklahoma, Serenity’s love for softball began early—at just three years old. With an older sister nine years ahead of her, she wanted to do whatever her sister did. But by age nine or ten, the game became more than fun. “That’s when you have to decide whether you’re going to a birthday party or to practice,” Serenity shared. “I chose practice because I loved seeing myself get better.” That choice set the tone for a career defined by commitment.

Finding Her Path in the Circle

Serenity’s older sister Destiny played outfield and pitched. Watching her helped Serenity discover her own identity in the game. “I wanted to be just like her,” she said. “I’d drag my dad outside and pitch—there are videos of me pitching when I was really young.” Though they trained together, Serenity realized pitching—and the infield—were where she thrived.

Along the way, mentors mattered. Oklahoma standouts Kaylee Clifton and Kalani Ricketts (through lessons and inspiration) showed Serenity what was possible coming from small-town roots. Their joy for the game, relentless work ethic, and belief in utility pitchers pushed Serenity physically and mentally—and helped her believe she could do it too.

A Leader Forged in Pressure

One of Serenity’s defining moments came during her junior year state championship—an extra-innings battle that stretched to 10 or 12 innings. In the circle, she felt the weight of the moment and recognized her responsibility as a leader. “If I’m nervous, they’re going to be nervous,” she said. The team’s eventual win wasn’t just a title—it was a lesson in composure, presence, and leadership.

At Tecumseh High School, Serenity led her team to two state championships, including a slow-pitch title, and finished her prep career with over 650 strikeouts. The championship run meant even more because it honored a coach nearing the end of his career. “That was our goal—to get him a state championship,” she said. “When it happened, I cried. It was overwhelming in the best way.” Serenity also won the Miss Softball Oklahoma award in 2023.

Setback to Set-Up

Then came the test no athlete wants: injury. On September 1—right as Division I recruiting opened—Serenity tore her quad. “It felt like my whole world was crumbling,” she admitted. There were days of fear and tears, but her family never left her side. With rest, physical therapy, and resolve, Serenity returned before postseason and kept pitching throughout rehab. In hindsight, the setback helped guide her to the right fit.

That fit became University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

Why UTEP Felt Like Home

Initially, distance from family made Serenity hesitant. But her visit changed everything. The team culture, the coaching philosophy, and the emphasis on academics aligned with who she is. “It felt like where I belonged,” she said. Independence excited her, too—an invitation to grow on and off the field. Heading into her sophomore season, Serenity is energized by new bonds and a returning core she believes can be powerful.

Culture, Representation, and Responsibility

Growing up, Serenity didn’t see many players who looked like her. That absence became fuel. “I wanted to get to this level so I could be that for somebody else,” she explained. Values from her Indigenous upbringing—staying close to the people who matter, protecting one another, and fighting together—shape how she leads and competes.

On the field, Serenity’s strengths include a calm, unreadable game face in the circle—control amid chaos. As she prepares for the season, she’s focused on speed, agility, and reaction time in the outfield, adding tools to her utility role.

Looking Ahead

Long term, Serenity’s goals are bold: All-American honors, conference leadership, and continued growth as both a pitcher and position player. Beyond softball, she’s aiming for a career in sports media—using her platform to elevate women’s sports and amplify Native voices. “I want to help the Native community grow and be seen,” she said.

Her advice to Indigenous youth is simple and powerful: work hard, have fun, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.

Serenity Jacoway’s journey is a reminder that purpose and pride can carry you through pressure, setbacks, and success alike. At Daybreak Star Radio, we’re honored to share her story—and we’ll be watching as she continues to rise.