Ball State University Athletics
Softball Welcomes Jadeyn Merrill To Its Staff
July 24, 2026 | Softball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - After finishing her collegiate playing career at Western Michigan this past spring, Jadeyn Merrill will join the coaching ranks as a graduate assistant for the Ball State softball program for the 2027 season.
"I'm very excited to add Jadeyn to our staff this year," head coach Helen Peña said. "Because of her versatility, on the field I will look to her to throw to our hitters, assist in hitting stations, and assist with pitchers in the bullpen. She has a passion for helping others especially when it comes to the mental side of the game, which I know our players will benefit greatly from. She has a tenacious work ethic, a team first mentality and a genuine love for the game that I know will be infectious to anyone around her."
Merrill registered a .285 career batting average over her four playing seasons, which included two-year stints at both Rider (2023-24) and WMU (2025-26). A starter in 124 of her 173 career games played, she boasted 22 career doubles and 10 career home runs. Merrill, who was credited with 72 RBIs and 36 runs scored over her career, highlighted her senior campaign with two home run games at South Alabama (Feb. 13) and versus Butler (March 6).
"I am so grateful to begin my coaching journey at Ball State," Merrill said. "I'm excited to learn from an amazing staff and help create an environment where our student-athletes can grow in confidence, compete freely, and be their best."
Along with her solid presence at the plate, Merrill saw time in the circle, throwing 71.1 total innings and compiling 53 strikeouts. She started eight career games as a pitcher, including at least one start in each of her four seasons, while making 39 appearances and earning three victories.
A two-time Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic Team honoree (2023-24) and a member of the 2026 Academic All-Mid-American Conference squad, Merrill earned Second Team All-MAAC honors and MAAC All-Rookie Team accolades as a freshman at Rider.
She also helped Western Michigan reach the title game of the 2026 MAC Softball Championship, including a 7-4 upset of four-time defending champion Miami in the team's tournament opener.
A spring 2026 graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in psychology, Merrill will be pursuing her master's in sport psychology at Ball State.
"I'm very excited to add Jadeyn to our staff this year," head coach Helen Peña said. "Because of her versatility, on the field I will look to her to throw to our hitters, assist in hitting stations, and assist with pitchers in the bullpen. She has a passion for helping others especially when it comes to the mental side of the game, which I know our players will benefit greatly from. She has a tenacious work ethic, a team first mentality and a genuine love for the game that I know will be infectious to anyone around her."
Merrill registered a .285 career batting average over her four playing seasons, which included two-year stints at both Rider (2023-24) and WMU (2025-26). A starter in 124 of her 173 career games played, she boasted 22 career doubles and 10 career home runs. Merrill, who was credited with 72 RBIs and 36 runs scored over her career, highlighted her senior campaign with two home run games at South Alabama (Feb. 13) and versus Butler (March 6).
"I am so grateful to begin my coaching journey at Ball State," Merrill said. "I'm excited to learn from an amazing staff and help create an environment where our student-athletes can grow in confidence, compete freely, and be their best."
Along with her solid presence at the plate, Merrill saw time in the circle, throwing 71.1 total innings and compiling 53 strikeouts. She started eight career games as a pitcher, including at least one start in each of her four seasons, while making 39 appearances and earning three victories.
A two-time Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic Team honoree (2023-24) and a member of the 2026 Academic All-Mid-American Conference squad, Merrill earned Second Team All-MAAC honors and MAAC All-Rookie Team accolades as a freshman at Rider.
She also helped Western Michigan reach the title game of the 2026 MAC Softball Championship, including a 7-4 upset of four-time defending champion Miami in the team's tournament opener.
A spring 2026 graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in psychology, Merrill will be pursuing her master's in sport psychology at Ball State.
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