If you watched the 2018 Women’s College World Series, you probably watched Jessi Warren make a diving play on a pop-up in front of home plate that broke the internet.
To this day, the clip is shown in hype videos and highlight packages. The thing is, though, that this is just everyday for Jessi Warren. The athleticism and defensive skills she displayed in the college game have transitioned and improved in the pro game, which is why she was named to the 2025 Athletes Unlimited Softball League All-Defensive Team.
Warren has one of the fastest releases and the ability to transition the ball in the game. She also has amazing reaction time and quick feet. Her ability to cover ground and defend against the bunt makes it difficult to get the ball past her. Warren’s arm is strong as well.
The stats speak for themselves. Warren has a .969 fielding percentage and has only committed two errors the entire season. She has 39 assists, which is third in the AUSL.
If you weren’t convinced by the numbers, take a look at some of the plays themselves.
#5 Range, Range, Range
Typically, we praise middle infielders and outfielders for their range, but Warren is proving that corners can move, too. She ranges to her left and takes this ball away from the shortstop. This is key because she is already moving to first base and has a better throwing path, which makes the play easier with her angle.
#4 Hot, hot, hot
With the speed of the game in the AUSL, the hot corner takes on a whole new meaning. But Warren is unfazed. She reacts to her backhand side easily to make the play.
#3 Bunt if you dare
Warren covers all of the hard-hit balls at the hot corner, but she is also masterful in the way that she defends against the bunt. On this play, she falls to her knees to get a better angle and get the ball out of her hand quicker, allowing her to get the runner at first.
#2 She’ll take two, thank you
One of the reasons Warren is one of the most elite defenders in the game is her quick transitions and releases. The first incredible part of this play is her reaction time, being able to catch this line drive, but she is only able to get the double play because of how quickly she gets rid of the ball to double the runner off first base.
#1 The best with the backhands
It’s hard to pick a number one play, but for me, this is it. It starts with her range, but the play is sealed with her athletic ability to throw off balance, moving away from the ball. In addition, this play demonstrates the strength of her arm to make that throw to first.
Maria Trivelpiece is currently the Director of Video Communications and Reporter at the American Athletic Conference and a softball color analyst. Trivelpiece was an outfielder at Fordham University and still stays involved with the game through coaching and covering the sport. You can follow her on X M_Trivelpiece or Instagram @_mariatrivelpiece
