KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State softball program will honor two of its former players when it adds Jessica Cross and Jolene Morris into its Circle of Honor between games of Saturday's doubleheader versus Florida Gulf Coast at Bailey Park. Game one is scheduled for 1 p.m. (ET).
 
The addition of Cross and Morris will bring the total number of individuals in the Circle of Honor to 39 since former head coach and senior associate athletics Scott Whitlock established it in 2003. The KSU Circle of Honor serves as a way of honoring former Kennesaw State softball student-athletes who represented the spirit and tradition of the storied program.
 
Cross, who was an Owl from 2008 through 2012, established herself as one of Kennesaw State's top two-way players, ranking among the program's top 10 in hits, home runs and RBIs. Morris was a pioneer in KSU lore as she was part of the very first team in 1985 when it played slow-pitch softball. As the first scholarship recipient, Morris helped the Owls to three NAIA District titles and Georgia Conference championships.  
 
The following are capsules on each of this year's honorees followed by a quote from Whitlock.
 
Jessica Cross (2008-12; DP/P; Tunnel Hill, Ga.)

• 2012 NFCA Second Team All-South Region
• 2008 NFCA Second Team All-Southeast Region
• 2012 ASUN Conference Player of the Year
• Three-Time ASUN All-Conference
• Two-Time ASUN Conference All-Tournament Team
• Two-Time ASUN Conference Player of the Week
• Two-Time ASUN Conference Pitcher of Week
• Finished career with .311 average, 226 hits, 39 doubles, 54 home runs, 168 RBIs
• Posted a 46-35 record, 2.07 ERA and recorded 355 strikeouts
• Ranks in KSU's top 10 in wins and strikeouts

Whitlock on Cross
"Jessica is the most prolific power hitter we've had here at Kennesaw State during the Division I era and was a huge offensive threat. She was also a tremendous pitcher and in 2012 was named the 2012 ASUN Conference Player of the Year. I think those accomplishments speak volumes as to the type of player she was here at Kennesaw State. She is also a second-generation Owl as her mom, Luann Hackett, played here in 1988."
 
Jolene Morris (1985-88, P, Canton, Ga.)

• The first scholarship recipient in Kennesaw State softball history
• A student-athlete during KSU's slow-pitch softball era
• Helped the Owls to a 155-33 record, three NAIA District titles and Georgia Conference championships
• Holds six game, 10 season and 15 career slow-pitch era records
• Established program marks for home runs in a game (2), season (15) and career (26)
• Compiled a 124-31 record and 1.66 ERA
• Totaled 31 shutouts and 115 strikeouts
• A three-time all-conference and all-district selection
• Served as an assistant coach at Kennesaw State (1989-90)
• Currently the principal at Chapel Hill Middle School in Douglasville, Ga.

Whitlock on Morris
"Jolene is widely regarded as the best overall slow-pitch softball player to come to Kennesaw State. Her numbers are extraordinary and she was a leader. Following her career, she coached here at Kennesaw State. What impresses me most about Jolene is what she has done post-graduation. She began her career as an educator, went on to get her master's and doctorate degrees, and has had a huge impact on the lives of young people."
 
 
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State softball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook. 
   
 

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