Shortstop Jackie Lance is one of three returnees from the 2000 Olympic team and was among the eight players chosen initially last December. She was one of the top college players at the University of New Mexico setting single season records for runs, hits, stolen bases and slugging percentage. At the school she graduated in criminology and psychology.
A strong hitter, Lance credits softball with helping her achieve balance and direction. As a youth she dropped out of school at age 15 when a lifestyle of drug-use almost destroyed her future. She left home for two years but was able to successfully escape the dark hole.
Lance currently works for the Albuquerque Fire Department one of only 21 women on the entire 561 member staff. She is also in that city's Sports Hall of Fame.
Her grandfather was a pro soccer prospect but those dreams were dashed by tuberculosis. Her father Andy did play pro soccer in the Netherlands.
