Swatter Jessica Purcell

When many people hear the song “Here Comes the Boom,” from rapper/artist Nelly, they are reminded of the movie “The Longest Yard.”

For some, this song makes people want to dance.

For the opposing softball teams however, playing here at Miller Park, this song strikes fear in their hearts and causes visiting outfielders to back up to the edge of the field (220 feet in centerfield).

So what exactly does this song mean to BYU fans? It means, watch out! Jessica Purcell is up to bat!

On the Field:

Standing at 5-feet-8 inches tall, Purcell is not the tallest player on the team, but she is definitely one of the strongest. She is a powerhouse!

“Most people, when talking about my strength always say ‘oh...it’s because you’re Samoan.’ Do they actually think that being Samoan entitles me to power?” Purcell asked. “I don’t like the sound of that though. To me, it sounds like they are calling me fat. And that’s not the case at all.”

There is no denying it. Purcell fits her intro music; here comes the Boom!

This past season, 2009, Purcell found herself batting fourth in the line-up in the coveted clean-up position. Although many might take this honor for granted, or worse, let it go to their head, Purcell definitely looked at the situation as an opportunity to step up to the plate, and fulfill her responsibility for the team.

“I batted third in the line-up during my freshman year, but after a series of bad performances I dropped to eighth in the batting order, and stayed there the rest of the season,” Purcell explained. “Now that I am batting clean-up I realize that you have to commit, and with that commitment comes added responsibilities.”

Although, Purcell admits she considers herself fortunate to be batting in the position that she is in now.

“It’s definitely an honor,” she acknowledged.

In 2009 Purcell’s skills blossomed as she went from being a relatively tentative, timid hitter to a Cougar powerhouse.

After finding her groove in the beginning of the season, Purcell quickly climbed to the top of the performance charts and led the conference in batting averages, slugging percentages, on base percentages, RBIs, hits, total bases, hit by pitch at-bats and total plate appearances.

Her recognition did not stop within the conference. Purcell became ranked nationally as she found herself third in the nation in RBI’s with 1.51 per game, 14th in home runs per game, 15th in slugging percentage, and 8th in home runs.

Still not impressed?

Purcell had an 11-game hitting streak, had back-to-back seven-RBI games and was 16 RBI’s away from breaking the single-season RBI record. She also hit her first career grand slam, and then went on to hit two more on the season for a total of three, breaking the previous single-season record of two.

The list goes on and on...

In 2009, Purcell was named Tournament MVP at the Bayer Cropscience Classic in Fresno, California, was named to the 2009 Easton Second-Team All-America list, was named to the Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Third-Team All-America list, and was selected to the regional team by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

It is no secret; Purcell is a forced to be reckoned with and she has become a household name throughout the nation’s softball community.

Off the Field:

The year 2009 proved to be jammed packed with events and special accomplishments for Purcell both on and off the field.

On June 26, 2009, Purcell married her best friend, Matthew Fitu, in the San Diego Temple.

Purcell met Fitu one night while sledding at Rock Canyon Park. Her first impression of her soon-to-be husband was not very noteworthy; in fact, she recalled thinking that Fitu was “mean” to her.

“It seemed as though he just liked to pick on me,” Purcell said reminiscing.

Purcell decided that the best way to repay the favor would be by blasting Fitu with a snowball right in the face.

Well...the rest was history. They began to hang out, and then they started to date officially. After eight months of dating, and a six month engagement, they were happily married for time and all eternity.

Some were skeptical about the relationship and worried that the engagement would affect Purcell’s skills on the playing field, but as you read earlier, one could argue that the engagement actually improved her game!

“I think the engagement helped me as it gave me a lot of support from my family, friends and Matt,” Purcell maintained. “I love looking up in the stands and seeing him there at my games supporting and cheering me on.”

With amazing support from her loved ones, and with a stable support system from her team and coaches, Purcell is constantly reminded of the right choice she made by playing for BYU.

“BYU is one of the best schools to play for, and I would have to say that I am definitely blessed to be here,” Purcell explained. “The coaching staff is always checking up on us making sure that we are okay. They are always there for us, and constantly pushing us to be the best both on and off the field.”

Purcell first gazed upon Miller Park during her junior year in high school when her team came to play in a tournament.

After playing in the competition, she returned again for an unofficial visit to continue to investigate what BYU had to offer her. After doing a thorough run through of the BYU facilities, she said to herself, “this is heaven...this is where I want to play.”

Since then, she has been reminded time and time again that she made the right decision.

“Playing here at BYU is like having 20 sisters who are always there for me.

“Add the coaching staff into the equation, and we are just one big family,” Purcell commented.

“Playing here has been one of the biggest blessings in my life.”

Looking Towards the Future:

So now, with her best friend, her husband, by her side, Purcell is looking forward to concentrating on three specific aspects of her life; her softball skills, her schooling, and her future family plans.

As a junior pursuing an exercise science degree, Purcell looks forward to graduating with her husband, who is in the same major. Both then hope to be accepted to a Physician’s Assistant School.

Once they have completed PA school, Purcell hopes that they could both work together as physician assistants, and raise a beautiful, healthy family together.

For now, Purcell is excited about the upcoming season.

“If there was ever a squad that could go all the way, it’s going to be this year. We have the power, speed and we are united,” Purcell describes. “So what does that mean? Expect more! I think that this will be the best team BYU has ever seen.”

Of course, Purcell realizes that she did not get to where she is today on her own merits. Behind the scenes, she knows that there have been many who have been there to support and comfort her, and many who have been there to give her that extra push.

So for all of you out there who have played an influential part in Jessica Purcell’s life, this is for you!

“I just want my family to know that I love them very much, and that I am grateful for everything they have done for me. I am so fortunate to have so many people supporting me in my decisions and goals in life.

“I love my husband. He truly is my best friend. I am so grateful to be here at BYU and grateful for all the opportunities that playing and attending this University allows me. It has been so much fun to play here.

“Hopefully I will be able to help the team out this year and help them go further than we ever have. I want to thank the coach and my teammates for all the support they give to me as well.”