Jordan Strum, the senior pitcher for the Girls Varsity Softball team, has been playing softball since she was little. That’s no different than millions of other athletes all across the country.

But what separates Jordan from the competition, what makes her truly impressive, is that very few opponents she stares down from the pitching mound ever get out of the batter’s box. And now she can put a number on just how many strikeouts she’s racked up.

During Wednesday’s (May 9) impressive win against Loomis Chaffee, Jordan struck out her 500th batter during the top of the first inning, second at bat.

“I was scared because everyone was looking at me,” said Jordan. “But I was honestly relieved more than anything.”

After the umpire called the out, the team rushed the mound, surrounding Jordan in congratulations. Jordan’s strikeout can be seen in a video tweeted by @Willistonteams. It has already amassed more than 1,500 views in less than 24 hours.

The team won 15-0 over Loomis. Jordan didn’t just dominate from the mound, she also went 4 for 4 with 2 home runs and 6 runs batted in.

The Varsity squad is coached by Coaches Amber Rodgers, Erin Davey, and Allison Marsland. Davey is immensely proud of Jordan’s accomplishments as a pitcher and leader, stating that “she leads by example and her heart is fueled by softball; her teammates can see that every day.”

“Jordan never gets rattled,” remarked Davey. “No matter the pace of the game, the projected outcome, or outside factors, Jordan remains Jordan; she’s incredibly consistent and reliable.”

Jordan is a force on the pitching mound, with an arsenal of pitches such a fastball, change-up, drop curve, screwball, and rise ball.

Jordan has been on the varsity softball team and the starting pitcher since freshman year, but her career in the sport took root way before Williston.

Since a young age, Jordan has been immersed in softball. She began playing tee-ball in her small Kansas City suburb of Raytown, MO, until she leveled up to coach pitch, then finally regular softball.

Her mother, a 1991 Williston graduate, also played softball and coached Jordan’s team through elementary and middle school.

“My mom was actually the reason I started pitching,” stated Jordan. “Our team had no pitchers, so my mom taught me how.”

However, the Strum’s involvement in softball does not stop at Jordan and her mother. Jordan’s younger sister, Jersey, also plays on the varsity team. She looks up to Jordan for her athletic and leadership skills.

“She has such a positive attitude that everyone seems to latch on to,” shared Jersey. “Even on her hard days, she is the first to pick someone else up.”

Jersey, a sophomore, is also a pitcher and is hoping to follow in Jordan’s footsteps in regards to her pitching success.

“I am proud to say that I have seen Jordan grow as a pitcher,” Jersey added. “I was with her for her first pitching lesson in Raytown to her 500th strikeout in high school.”

Jordan was quick to give credit where it’s due. “I couldn’t have done it without my family, friends, coaches, teammates,” she said. “I’m so thankful for all of their support on and off the field.”

Jordan’s teammates and friends are highly supportive of her, and were notably proud to see her successes and goals come to fruition, including her four-year roommate and close friend, senior Julia MacLean.

“I’m so proud of her,” said Julia. “She works so hard and really loves the sport.”

Mike Manley, post-graduate and manager of the Varsity Softball team, is equally happy for Jordan.

“Jordan is an amazing pitcher but an even better person,” said Mike. “Her pitching ability is remarkable, and I’m just happy I got the chance to watch her make history.”

The team has a great camaraderie. “We always have a really good time,” expressed Jordan. Whether it’s pregame warm-ups or music-filled bus rides, the group has fun wherever they go.

Jordan is committed to play softball at the University of New England next year in Biddeford, ME, and is excited to partake on this new athletic adventure.

“There are ten other commits in my year, so it’ll be fun to get to know everyone,” shared Jordan. She is also not the only new pitcher, so she is looking forward to learning and mastering different types of throws.

Jordan’s family is absolutely thrilled  she is continuing softball at the collegiate level, including Jersey.

“It is crazy to think that my sister is graduating and moving on to college to achieve bigger and better things. I am proud of everything she has accomplished, and I love her,” expressed Jersey. “I do expect 500 more in college.”