Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Jennifer Gilbert has been part of the National Team program for a decade, starting with the Women’s U-16 National Team in 2009. In 2010 and 2011 she competed as part of the Junior Women’s National Team and helped lead Team Canada to a fifth-place showing at the WBSC Junior Women's World Championship in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2012 she made the jump to the senior team, and competed in her first of three World Championships in Whitehorse, Yukon. She was also part of Team Canada at the Worlds in 2014 and 2018, taking home bronze in 2018.
Gilbert competed for the Ball State Cardinals from 2011-2014 while earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. While at Ball State she helped guide the Cardinals to three MAC (Mid-American Conference) Regular Season Championships (2012, 2013 & 2014). She holds nearly all of Ball State’s single season offensive records and is at or near the top in every career category. After her undergraduate playing career, she earned a Master’s Degree in Athletic Coaching from Ball State as well.
Gilbert was the 10th overall selection in the 2014 National Pro Fastpitch draft by the Akron Racers. She played parts of four seasons for the Racers, finishing her career with Akron with 114 games played with a .227 batting average, .316 OBP along with 66 hits including 11 doubles, three triples and 17 home runs.
Q&A
What Minor Softball Association did you grow up playing in? Texas Glory, Avengers
What’s your favourite food? Fish or shrimp tacos
What’s your favourite book? What on Earth Am I Here For? By Rick Warren
What’s the best movie you’ve ever watched? Remember the Titans
What’s your pre-game ritual? Listen to music
What’s your favourite place that softball has taken you? South Africa and the Netherlands
What are your future aspirations? Win a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, own my own business.
If you could spend an hour with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be? My great grandpa or Rick Warren
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2013 WBSC Americas Qualifier - Silver
2018 WBSC World Championship – Bronze
