The Jacksonville State softball team has been recognized as one of the top programs in Division I in a ranking released by D1Softball.com.
 
The Gamecocks were listed as the No. 45 program in Division I by the outlet, who ranked the 
Top 50 programs based on what they've accomplished in the last decade and how they are set up for success in the next 10 years. There were 298 Division I programs in 2020, and JSU is the only one from the Ohio Valley Conference recognized in the ranking.
 
D1Softball began by awarding programs points for making regionals and having postseason success in the last five years, and a fewer amount of points for success between six and 10 years ago. National writers Tara Henry and Rhiannon Potkey then made adjustments based on evaluations of coaching staff quality and stability, facilities, scholarship/financial aid situation, conference dynamics, momentum, and recruiting and player development proficiency.
 
The Gamecocks' resume is an impressive one over the last 10 years, not counting the 2009 Knoxville Regional title and Super Regional appearance that same year. The last decade has seen JSU appear in the NCAA Tournament six times in the past 10 years and three in the last five. Of those last three, two have resulted in the Gamecocks advancing to the regional championship.
 
 
The ranking's assessment of the Gamecocks says: 
 
"The Gamecock have won 14 conference championships including 11 OVC conference titles. With a seven-time conference coach of the year, Janna McGinnis has provided stability for Jacksonville State. With nine regional appearances and a super regional appearance (2009) the Gamecocks have shown tremendous fight against Power Five programs. 
 
"During 2016, Jacksonville State posted a 43-17 overall record and a 26-0 in the OVC, marking McGinnis' 10th 40-win season. The Gamecocks traveled to the Auburn Regional to fall to host No. 5 Auburn in the championship game.  Following a perfect conference record in 2016, the Gamecocks went 18-1 (2017) and 16-6 in 2018 (2018) to qualify yet again for NCAA regionals."
 
JSU has also won four regular-season OVC crowns in the last six seasons, while claiming four Player and Pitcher of the Year honors from the league. There have been 41 Gamecocks earn All-OVC honors in that six-year stretch.
 
For the full list of the Top 50 programs in Division I, visit www.disoftball.com.