Contact: Emily Zadny, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302  
(Written by Nicholas Osterloo, Student Sports Information Assistant) 

April 9, 2018 - Growing up, North Central College senior women's softball player Jenna Trojniar played soccer and volleyball, but neither sport resonated with her the way softball did. From playing on travel teams, to playing in the backyard, softball was her passion. 

"Softball was always more fun than those other sports. I enjoy being outside a lot for sports," Trojniar said.  

In the fall of 2017, she worked for Diamond Edge in Willowbrook which is a state-of-the-art indoor baseball and softball facility. She worked as a coach and trainer among other various jobs. "I will take on a couple classes myself. We do a dynamic warmup which leads to core strength and exercises. After that, we do a lot of weights and then go into speed and agility workouts," she said. 

Working at Diamond Edge connects right along with her exercise science major. "I love sports and the health world that surrounds it. I want to stay in that, even after I am done playing a sport," said Trojniar. She enjoys working with people and working with athletic minded individuals is a perfect fit for her.  

Besides her major, Trojniar came to North Central for a few reasons. One was because it was the perfect distance from her hometown of Mokena, Ill. "[Going to North Central] felt like I am away at a college but if an emergency were to come up or I wanted to see my family I could," Trojniar said. She also knew some friends who went to North Central and they really enjoyed their time here. 

As a Cardinal, she is a member of the 100-hit club, was voted first team All-CCIW and third team All-Region by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) in 2016.  In that season, she played and started every game and did not commit a single error all season.  

One of her role models is junior shortstop Taylor Clugston. "She has such a big heart and I try to be like her because she is such a great person to be around. I want to put off that kind of energy that she does so well," Trojniar said.  Both Clugston and Trojniar are in the top-three among their teammates in batting average, runs and hits.  

Her family is a very big part of her softball journey as well. Her parents and younger brother have been very supportive of her playing softball ever since she started. "They have put so much time, effort and money in me and letting me be able to play travel, in high school and in college," She said. "I cannot thank them enough for the opportunities they have let me take." 

Off the field Jenna likes to be outside. She enjoys hanging out with her roommates, riding skateboards or walking along the Riverwalk. Trojniar also likes to go Downtown Naperville and karaoke with her friends.  

Being a senior has made this softball season different for Trojniar because this is the last time she will be doing everything softball and school related. "I don't think it will hit me until next fall when I'm not packing up to come to North Central and not packing my softball stuff," she said.  

After she graduates, she hopes to continue working at Diamond Edge because of the great relationships she has developed while coaching there. However, there is more in stock for Trojniar. "The bigger plans are that I hope to go to Florida and work at a gym down there and maybe even start my own because I need to get out of this cold weather," Trojniar said.  

Through 16 games, Trojniar is second on the team in batting average (.407), hits (24), and RBI's (11).  The Cardinals are 14-2 (2-0 in CCIW) on the 2018 season with their next game on the road on Tuesday, Apr. 10 against Aurora University. A link to live in-game coverage can be found HERE.