There are late bloomers and then there are players you know from the time they first put on a glove that they are special players.

Put Jayde Palmer, the outstanding middle infield and sometimes catcher, in that latter category.

Two and a half years ago, in May 2024, Line Drive Media ran an article titled Meet Ohio Infielder Jayde Palmer… One of the Best Athletes in the Class of 2028 which details how–even back then–she was on the national radar as a USA Softball HPP Invite, a two-time USA Softball All-American (at age 12!) and had been invited to Power 4 camps like those at Texas and Tennessee.

As is the case today, eighth grader was a stellar student with a 4.0 GPA and shined on and off the playing fields… and that remains true today as well.

Between then and now, the athlete’s family moved to Alabama and all Jayde has done is kill in both in club and high school softball, as well as do some impressive damage as a hoops player.

The high school junior’s father, Joe, is an executive in the transportation and logistics industry, where he builds and grows companies in various sectors such as trucking, warehousing, and logistics management.

Currently, the father of four is the President of ContainerPort Group, a prominent port and rail trucking company and it has led to the family moving with new job opportunities.

Jayde chronicles what’s happened move-wise over the last decade.

“In 2017 we moved to Fairhope, Ala.,” Jayde begins, “where my sister played softball and we both started playing travel ball.”

“In 2021 we moved to Avon, Ohio and then in December 2024 we moved from Avon back to Alabama, to Orange Beach. We had missed Alabama and hoped one day we would move back.”

“We chose Orange Beach because of the incredible athletic facilities, the amazing softball program, and because who wouldn’t want to live at the beach!”

The latest move for Jayde and her family has led to the 2028 athlete having an explosive run over the last year culminating in her being named last month as a Top 5 honoree in the Line Drive Media HOT 100… here’s how her bio read:

Flash forward to last month when the HOT 100 rankings for the current recruiting class were unveiled… here’s what we wrote for Jayde’s bio:

T-5—Jayde Palmer, MIF/C, Hotshots National 18U – Nelson
Jayde has established herself as one of the top recruits in the 2028 class through her combination of size, athleticism, and defensive versatility. A PGF All-American and MaxPreps High School All-American, she began her official visits last weekend with a trip to Texas A&M. Jayde has already completed two seasons of 18U travel ball with Hotshots National – Nelson and still has two more years to develop against the country’s best competition. This summer, she helped the Hotshots finish 3^rd at PGF Premier Nationals while consistently producing against elite, older pitching. At Orange Beach (Ala.) High, Jayde hit .533 with 65 hits, 55 RBIs and 59 runs while helping the Makos win a second consecutive state championship during her time with the program. The junior athlete is also a high-level basketball player who helped lead Orange Beach to its first Elite Eight appearance when she was in her freshman year and the two-sport star will possibly have opportunities to play basketball at the collegiate level. Jayde’s experience, physicality, and the mental toughness gained from playing for Head Coach Nathan Nelson will have her prepared for the next level.

And now the standout softball player will be playing in the SEC, about four and a half hours from her family home in Orange Beach.

What a memorable month it’s been for the entire Palmer family! Here’s more from Jayde on how it all came to be…

*****

Name:  Jayde Palmer
Position(s): SS/UTL
High School (City/State): Orange Beach High School (Orange Beach, Ala.)
Club Team: Hotshots National Nelson – 18U
Grad Year: 2028
Committed To: The University of Alabama
Date Committed: September 26, 2026

What would you say are your top achievements, stats, honors and/or accomplishments?

I’m a PGF All-American, MaxPreps All-American, and two-time USA Softball All-American.

I’ve played 18U for the past two years and am going into my third. I’ve also helped lead my high school softball team to two state championships over the last two years.

Academically, I have a 4.45 GPA and have never made a B. I’m involved in multiple national honor societies and clubs, and I was selected for Junior Leadership of Coastal Alabama.

Do you play other sports? If so, anything you’re proud to share?

I’ve played basketball my whole life, helped lead Orange Beach to the Elite Eight my freshman season, and earned the Newcomer of the Year award for my region.

What’s been a favorite softball experience in your career?

Winning back-to-back state championships has been the best experience of my softball career.

This past year was especially memorable because we made Alabama history with our school’s sixth state championship in a row.

t was so much fun, and I feel incredibly blessed to be part of such an amazing team.

How did the Crimson Tide coaches first find you to start recruiting you?

Alabama was actually the first college to ever send me mail.

I hadn’t attended one of their camps until about two weeks before September 1, and that’s when I fell in love with the program.

When did they offer you a scholarship?

They officially offered me a scholarship during my visit on September 26.

I arrived in Tuscaloosa that Saturday morning, toured with the coaches, had lunch, and then sat down for a meeting where they offered me.

When and how did you commit? What were the circumstances?

After the meeting, I went back to the hotel and talked everything through with my family, including all three of my siblings.

I got to walk around campus with the coaches and attend the football game in the student section. During the game, I was separated from my parents, so I started texting them and decided I wanted to commit that night.

Later, while we were taking our last pictures on the field, my favorite artist, Noah Kahan, was playing over the speakers.

I turned to the coaches and said, “I think it’s time to make it home.”

It was such an amazing moment, and having almost my whole family there made it even more special.

My older brother, Jace, is a sophomore at the University of Alabama and he is my best friend, so having him close to me made a huge impact on where I committed.

My brother was working that night at a local restaurant, so Coach Murphy had the idea to surprise him at work. He loaded us up in his vehicle—I was in full Alabama softball uniform!—and he drove us there around midnight.

I surprised my brother in full Alabama softball uniform with the news that I committed. It was a really cool moment and very thoughtful of Coach Murphy.

Getting to share that moment with Jace made the night even more memorable!

What was it about the school/program that made you decide it was the place for you? Did you have an “a ha” moment?

My “a ha” moment came during the football game, but everything leading up to it played a part.

I noticed how kind Coach Murphy and his staff were to everyone they met.

At the game, I talked with the players, asked questions about their experiences, and was able to see the amazing Alabama fan base.

Being in Tuscaloosa with my family really solidified my decision.

My brother is a sophomore at Alabama, my older sister lives nearby, and my little sister plans to attend. The culture and legacy they’ve built is unmatched, and the staff and players were so genuine from camp through my visit. It truly felt like home. There’s also something really special about getting to represent my home state.

What did they say they liked about your game enough to offer you?

They said they were looking for a shortstop with a high level of athleticism and that I fit what they were looking for. They also felt my personality matched their culture and liked my leadership and ability to bring everyone together. They mentioned my high softball IQ and my ability to hit for power, which I showed at the camp before September 1.

Who helped you in your softball decision?

It was truly a family decision. We sat down and talked through all my options, my future, and where I would be happiest. Having my brother at Alabama, knowing my little sister plans to go there, and having my older sister nearby all played a big part.

Do you know yet what you will study in college? What would you like to do for a career?

Ultimately, I want to pursue professional softball. I’m interested in studying business with a minor in kinesiology and then going to chiropractic school. I’d love to own a wellness clinic and work with kids and athletes.

What top tournaments/events will you and your team be playing in next year (2027)?

We’ll be playing at Top Club Nationals, Oklahoma summer games, and SoCal summer games, then finishing the summer at PGF Nationals.

We have a packed, highly competitive schedule!

Is there anything unusual or different about you that would be fun to share?

My nickname is Boogie!

What’s something about you off the field that not many know?

I really love my dogs, Judge and Bronx, and one of my favorite things to do is hang out with my siblings.

What do you love most about softball?

I love competing. I also love playing for something bigger than myself: my family name, the Hotshots organization, and my teammates. I love pushing each other to get better and working toward a common goal.

In one word, describe yourself on the field:

Competitive.

And off the field:

Detail-oriented.