There are certain people in the sport that, when they speak, you listen.

When it comes to knowing at the travel ball level, particularly in the South, Tammy Vermeulen—the owner and founder of the D1VISION Softball program and the Head Coach of the 16U team—impressively knows her stuff.

A former player (LSU) and college coach, Tammy has seen the game and when she describes one of her current athletes in the org as “easily our best first baseman we have ever had,” then you take that as a high compliment indeed.

The subject of Coach V’s adulation is McKenzie Jones, an intimidating 6-foot-2 incoming high school senior from Georgia who can pick balls out of the dirt at first but also pitch and hit at a high level.

“I don’t believe enough credit goes to the athletes over there at first base,” the D1VISION leader explains. “They are picking bad throws, time and time again, and McKenzie is especially strong at using her long body to stretch in every direction to turn a bad throw into an out. And at the National level we play, every out matters when you’re competing with and against elite level talent!”

Coach Vermeulen also praises her young player’s stick and how McKenzie steps up when the stakes are highest.

“She’s got an excellent bat as well,” Tammy continues, “and, in the more than a year we’ve had her now, she’s been consistent at the plate hitting doubles, triples and bombs.”

“One of her biggest moments to date was her 280-foot home run against the Bolts that put us into the semis last Fall at the PGF Show Me the Money and, ultimately, into the championships game. McKenzie comes in clutch without a doubt!”

But McKenzie, per her coach, may have an “ace in the hole” when it comes to what may be too tempting for a college program to pass on.

“Her pitching is an untapped market I would say,” Coach V explains. “With a great pitching staff, McKenzie could be an unbelievable pitcher at the next level. Currently, she’s not a primary pitcher, but when asked to throw, she slings it in the 63-to-64 mph range and I confidently believe that, with guidance as a 6-foot-2 athlete, McKenzie can turn into something extremely special on the mound with love, support and guidance,”

Whatever position awaits her at the next level, the gifted athlete from the Peach State has a bright future according to many.

“McKenzie ’s a diamond on the mound waiting to be sharpened,” concludes Vermeulen. “She’s looking to find a great fit and is a no-brainer athlete who needs to find her home!”

Note: if any college coaches would like more info or have any questions about McKenzie please reach out to Coach Tammy (631) 626-7592.

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Name: McKENZIE JONES
Hometown/ST: Lawrenceville, GA
Grad Year: 2025
Position(s): 1B/P/OF
Club Team: D1VISION 16U National
High School (City/ST): Suwanee, Ga.
GPA: 3.8
College: not committed yet.
Preferred College Major: Computer Science.

In your eyes, what are some of the top honors and accomplishments you’ve achieved individually and with your teams?

 My Individual honors:

• Tying the record in doubles in high school
• Being ranked in the Top 50 in the Class of 2025
• Varsity starter all four years
• 7-8A All County Team in Gwinnett
• 2nd Team All Region
• September Player of the Month
• Scholar Athlete

For my team:

• 2nd Place Finish in Show Me the Money (D1V)
• Making State Playoffs 2 years in a row (High School Team)

What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
Hitting a grand slam against the Lady Dukes.

What would you say are your strengths on the Field?
My calm demeanor in stressful situations, my height and length, my speed and my bat.

Do you have any softball superstitions?
Yes, not crossing the bats in the dugout!

What would you say is your philosophy in life?
Control what you can control.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on and off the field?
On the field—competitor… off the field—reserved.

What’s been your favorite place you’ve placed softball?
Colorado.

What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life? Accepting the fact that I don’t get to see my Dad every day.

What drives you to play the game of softball?
My competitive nature drives me to play the game of softball. It challenges me in various ways and helps me grow as a player and a person.

What’s one thing or accomplishment about you that is unusual or unique which few knew (until know)?
One thing that is unique about me is that I can draw and paint very well.

*****

OFF THE FIELD:

What’s your favorite softball item, like a preferred bat, glove, etc.?
My Ghost bat.

Favorite item(s) in your closet: My hoodie blanket.

Favorite school subject: Math.

Best way to unwind is… Driving and listening to music.

If you have 30 minutes to shop and $100 to spend, where do you go? Target!

What’s playing in your headphones right now? Kendrick Lamar.

Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with… Zendaya.

What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
Cozumel, Mexico.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you’d want to have with you (sorry: can’t be a phone as they’re no cell towers nearby!)
An axe.

If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
My grandpa who recently passed away.

Favorite college uniform (and why): LSU, because I love that shade of purple.

What worries you most about what classmates your age will face in the future?
Not being able to afford things after college because everything is expensive.

If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
First, I would buy a Jeep Wrangler. Then, I would buy a vacation house in Hawaii.

Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
I would never get sick of Chipotle, Alfredo pasta, salad, and fried pork chops.

Best talent off the field?
Imitating people’s voices.

What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two?
I don’t like talking about myself because I don’t want to sound arrogant.

Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically): 

Athletically: Odicci Alexander
Non-Athletically: My mom

When you leave the game of softball, how do you want to be remembered and what will you do when you’re finished playing to help grow the game?
I hope to be remembered as a softball player that worked very hard to achieve my goals. I hope to grow the game by helping inspire little girls that look like me to compete at the highest level.