ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland Athletics has announced the induction of former softball standout Jessica (Granger) Rowe into the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor, recognizing her exceptional playing career from 2007-09 and her lasting impact on the Golden Grizzlies softball program.
A native of Troy, Mich., Rowe established herself as one of the most accomplished pitchers in program history during her three seasons at Oakland. She earned Summit League All-League First Team honors in 2007, followed by All-League Second Team recognition in 2009, and was named to the 2007 Summit League All-Tournament Team. She was also a two-time Summit League Pitcher of the Week during the 2007 season.
Rowe's name remains etched throughout the Oakland record books. She ranks fifth in program history in career earned run average (2.57) and finished her career second all-time in wins (48), appearances (104), starts (95), complete games (75), shutouts (14), strikeouts (510), and innings pitched (626). Following just three seasons, she concluded her career as Oakland's all-time leader in wins, games started, complete games, shutouts, innings pitched, and strikeouts at the time of her graduation.
Her dominance extended to single-season marks as well. Rowe recorded the fifth-most wins in a season twice (19 in both 2007 and 2009), posted the third-most appearances in a single season (38 in 2007), and owns the top two single-season starts totals in program history (36 in 2007 and 32 in 2009). She also produced two of the top three single-season complete games totals (29 in 2007 and 26 in 2009), recorded the second-most single-season shutouts (7), logged three of the highest strikeout seasons in program history, and set the program record for most innings pitched in a season with 251 in 2007.
In addition, Rowe holds the Oakland single-game record for strikeouts, fanning 15 batters against Savannah State on Feb. 23, 2009.
Beyond the accolades, Rowe chose Oakland University as the place to pursue her dream of competing at the Division I level while earning a degree in education, inspired in part by watching her older sister succeed as a Golden Grizzly.
"Oakland was more than a school to me; it was a place where I grew, learned, and made memories that will last a lifetime," Rowe said. "I knew I would be surrounded by coaches, teammates, and professors who truly cared."
Rowe credits her teammates and coaches-particularly longtime head coach, Glenn Macdonald, for fostering an environment built on trust, accountability, and support. One of her most cherished memories came during her senior season, when Coach Macdonald invited her father to assist with coaching duties, culminating in a memorable final walk to the pitching mound together.
"My favorite memories aren't just one moment, but the collection of experiences with my teammates on the field, during travel, and in everyday life," Rowe said. "Those relationships are what stand out the most when I look back."
Since graduating from Oakland, Rowe has carried the lessons learned as a Golden Grizzly into a career dedicated to education and mentorship. She has spent 11 years teaching middle school physical education and health at Oxford Community Schools and served as a varsity softball coach from 2011-19 at West Bloomfield and Oxford high schools.
"Playing softball at Oakland taught me leadership, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork," Rowe said. "Those lessons have shaped every part of my life, both professionally and personally."
Being inducted into the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor represents a deeply meaningful milestone for Rowe, one she views as a reflection of the people who supported her journey.
"This is an incredible and humbling honor," Rowe said. "I'm deeply grateful to my coaches, teammates, and especially my family for their unwavering support and sacrifices. I will always cherish what Oakland gave me."
Rowe joins an elite group of Oakland Athletics legends whose excellence, dedication, and lifelong connection to the Golden Grizzlies continue to define the standard celebrated by the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor.
She will be officially inducted at the 2026 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2025 in the Oakland Center Ballrooms.
