Not every path in sports stays between the lines. Sometimes the game opens doors you never expected.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Jade Hewitt, a former college athlete turned professional softball photographer and videographer, to talk about building a career in the sport from a different angle. From her experience as a Division III athlete to becoming a creative behind the lens in professional softball, Jade shares how humility, consistency, and a willingness to serve others helped shape her journey.
This conversation is a great reminder that there are meaningful ways to stay connected to the game long after your playing career ends.
A Different Kind of Athlete Journey
Jade opens up about what life looked like as a Division III athlete and how that experience shaped her perspective on sport, growth, and opportunity.
She shares the realities of competing at that level, the lessons she learned through the recruiting process, and how her playing career helped prepare her for the professional world she works in now. Her story offers an encouraging perspective for athletes whose path may not look traditional, but is still full of possibility.
How Humility and Selflessness Opened Doors
One of the strongest themes in this episode is the role humility and selflessness played in Jade’s growth.
Rather than focusing only on personal recognition, she explains how showing up consistently, building relationships, and serving the people around her created opportunities over time. That approach helped her earn trust in the softball world and ultimately led to some incredible experiences behind the camera.
Her journey is a strong example of how character can create momentum.
Capturing the Game at a Historic Moment
Jade also shares what it has been like to work as the photographer for the first-ever softball TOPPS trading cards, a milestone moment for the sport.
Being part of that project gave her a front-row seat to history while also reinforcing the power of storytelling through images. Her work helps celebrate athletes, preserve moments, and contribute to the visibility and growth of softball in a meaningful way.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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What life as a Division III athlete can teach you
Perspective, grit, and appreciation for the journey. -
Recruiting insights from Jade’s experience
Navigating the process with authenticity and purpose. -
How humility and selflessness can create opportunity
Building trust and relationships that matter. -
What it’s like working in professional softball media
Turning a love of the game into a creative career. -
Why the first softball TOPPS trading cards matter
Helping grow the visibility and legacy of the sport.
About Jade Hewitt
Jade Hewitt is a former college athlete and professional softball photographer and videographer whose work helps tell the story of the game from behind the lens. Drawing from her own athletic background, she brings a unique perspective to the athletes, moments, and milestones she captures.
Known for her humility, creativity, and love for the sport, Jade has built a career that keeps her closely connected to the softball world while helping elevate its visibility through visual storytelling.
Connect with Jade:
Instagram: @jadehewittmedia
