By: Gramblibg State Athletics
GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Trayvean D. Scott announced the hiring of Jessica Hurtado as the head coach of the GSU Softball Program on Monday morning.
"We are excited to welcome Jessica Hurtado to Grambling State as our new head softball coach," said Scott. "Jessica's leadership, passion for student-athlete development, and vision for building a championship-caliber program make her a tremendous fit for Grambling State. We look forward to the future of our softball program under her direction."
Hurtado spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach/pitching coach at Florida A&M. In her first year at FAMU, she helped guide the program to a SWAC East Division championship and into the SWAC Championship game appearance.
In her second season at FAMU, she helped the Rattlers capture the 2026 SWAC Tournament title—ending a nine-year championship drought.
This season, her pitching staff was among the best in the SWAC, posting an overall ERA of 3.96. Three of her pitchers earned all-conference recognition this year with Amari Brown being named SWAC Player of the Year, Zoryana Hughes earning first team honors and Samantha Smith being crowned the SWAC Tournament MVP.
Hurtado brings a well-rounded and dynamic coaching background to Grambling State. She has developed student-athletes across multiple levels of competition, including the NCAA Division I, junior college, elite travel ball, and high school levels. Her diverse experience allows her to connect with and elevate players at every stage of their athletic journey.
She is deeply committed to the holistic development of her student-athletes, emphasizing both academic success and on-field performance. She prioritizes building a strong, winning team culture while creating a positive and impactful student-athlete experience.
Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Coach Hurtado is a graduate of Bethune Cookman University.
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