Jordan Ewald’s leadership on the softball field helped the infielder guide the Wolverine team to the school’s first-ever regular season Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Athletics Championship in 2017.
She said her off-field leadership experiences—on campus, in the community and internationally—also have been rewarding.
“My first memories of this campus involved the welcoming, diverse and growing community that is UM-Dearborn. My role as a student-athlete has afforded me a unique opportunity to represent UM-Dearborn in the classroom, on the softball field and globally.”
Ewald was chosen as a representative for the United States at the Federation of International University Sport (FISU) Forum in France in 2016.
“Representing the United States, UM-Dearborn and the athletic department was a great honor,” she said. “I think this was a defining moment for me because I was able to interact with and befriend people from all over the world. These interactions allowed me to develop better understandings and appreciations for the world that we live in.”
Ewald, who is double majoring in journalism and screen studies and communications, also is active in helping inform others—either in or about sports. She is a sports writer for the Michigan Journal, has coached youth aquatics and serves as a Fieldhouse recreational assistant.
The softball team captain —who enters her final season as the program’s all-time leader in runs-batted-in and doubles—has earned several honors, which include University of Michigan-Dearborn Intern of the Year 2016, College Sports Information Directors of America All- District Team, University of Michigan-Dearborn Female Newcomer Athlete of the Year 2015, and University of Michigan-Dearborn Highest Athletic Department Female GPA in 2016-2017. She also serves on the Athletics and Recreation Department's Emerging Leaders Council.
Ewald said UM-Dearborn has given her opportunities for leadership and learning in all aspects of her life. And she’s grateful.
“My continued passion to interact with individuals of all experiences and represent the university as the hospitable, diverse environment that made me feel at home is what makes me a Difference Maker.”