Louisville Athletics Mourns the Loss of Former Softball Standout Melissa Jacobo
January 13, 2021 | Softball
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville athletic department is mourning the loss of former softball standout Melissa Jacobo who passed away on January 11, 2021.
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"I am deeply saddened by the news of Melissa Jacobo's passing," said UofL head softball coach Holly Aprile. "While I did not coach her, I do know that she was an integral part of our program's history and helped lay the foundation for what we are today. She will always be part of the Cardinal Softball family and we send our deepest condolences to her family and friends."
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Jacobo, who played for the Cardinals from 2000 through 2002, was a member of the program's inaugural team. The Whittier, California native made an immediate impact as Louisville's starting third baseman. In the first game of her collegiate career, Jacobo recorded UofL's first double and is still among the single-season leaders with 20 doubles in the 2001 campaign.
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In 2002, Jacobo connected on Louisville's first grand slam in a 12-3 win against Drake. She consistently stood among the team's leaders in batting average, doubles, home runs, slugging percentage and walks throughout her career as she helped lead the Cardinals to 103 wins in the first three years of the program. In all, she started 170 games and posted a career batting average of .339 with 42 doubles, 14 home runs and 99 RBIs.
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"When we were preparing for a team take the field for the first time in school history, we knew that we needed student-athletes who could help us to be immediately competitive and Melissa fit that bill perfectly," said former UofL softball head coach Sandy Pearsall who coached Jacobo during her collegiate career. "Her play at third base was always solid and she was one of the most consistent and powerful hitters that I have seen. She loved the game of softball and she loved Louisville. Beyond that, Melissa was a genuinely good and caring person with a big heart and a big smile. She will truly be missed by many."
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Jacobo became the first Louisville player to earn National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-South Region first team honors in 2001. Additionally, she was a two-time All-Conference USA first-team selection, earning all-tournament honors in 2001 and was twice named the C-USA Hitter of the Week.
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Jacobo earned her bachelor's degree in communications from UofL in May 2007.
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She is survived by her son, Devin, 15. Memorial arrangements are still pending at this time.
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"I am deeply saddened by the news of Melissa Jacobo's passing," said UofL head softball coach Holly Aprile. "While I did not coach her, I do know that she was an integral part of our program's history and helped lay the foundation for what we are today. She will always be part of the Cardinal Softball family and we send our deepest condolences to her family and friends."
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Jacobo, who played for the Cardinals from 2000 through 2002, was a member of the program's inaugural team. The Whittier, California native made an immediate impact as Louisville's starting third baseman. In the first game of her collegiate career, Jacobo recorded UofL's first double and is still among the single-season leaders with 20 doubles in the 2001 campaign.
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In 2002, Jacobo connected on Louisville's first grand slam in a 12-3 win against Drake. She consistently stood among the team's leaders in batting average, doubles, home runs, slugging percentage and walks throughout her career as she helped lead the Cardinals to 103 wins in the first three years of the program. In all, she started 170 games and posted a career batting average of .339 with 42 doubles, 14 home runs and 99 RBIs.
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"When we were preparing for a team take the field for the first time in school history, we knew that we needed student-athletes who could help us to be immediately competitive and Melissa fit that bill perfectly," said former UofL softball head coach Sandy Pearsall who coached Jacobo during her collegiate career. "Her play at third base was always solid and she was one of the most consistent and powerful hitters that I have seen. She loved the game of softball and she loved Louisville. Beyond that, Melissa was a genuinely good and caring person with a big heart and a big smile. She will truly be missed by many."
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Jacobo became the first Louisville player to earn National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-South Region first team honors in 2001. Additionally, she was a two-time All-Conference USA first-team selection, earning all-tournament honors in 2001 and was twice named the C-USA Hitter of the Week.
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Jacobo earned her bachelor's degree in communications from UofL in May 2007.
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She is survived by her son, Devin, 15. Memorial arrangements are still pending at this time.
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