From ‘Peanut’ to Powerhouse: The Legacy and Loyalty of SIU Softball Star Jackie Lis

Jackie Lis rounds third base, her grin electric, her arms flexed in a show of uncontainable energy. The Dawg Pound erupts, a wall of sound celebrating another unforgettable moment.

Teammates pour out of the dugout, echoing her flex, a now-iconic celebration that embodies Lis’ fiery spirit and connection to the crowd.

This scene is becoming commonplace at Southern Illinois University home softball games, as Lis sits just six dingers shy of the all-time school record.

For her, each home run is a testament to years of grit, determination, and a legacy she’s still writing.

Lis was destined for greatness long before she donned the maroon and white of SIU. From the moment she picked up a bat, it was clear she had a gift — an almost surreal combination of skill and tenacity passed down through her family’s rich baseball and softball lineage.

Her grandfather played eight seasons in Major League Baseball, and her father reached Triple-A while passing down his knowledge as her longtime coach.

And her Aunt Becky Lis, a Saluki softball Hall of Famer and two-time All-American, helped provide the blueprint for her dreams.

“Jackie’s the kind of player every coach dreams of having,” Becky said. “She’s smart, hardworking, and has an incredible feel for the game.”

Despite her natural ability, Lis’ size was often a topic of discussion. Standing small but mighty, she was nicknamed “Peanut” by her family, a term of endearment that belied her fierce competitive streak.

“I remember one travel ball tournament when Jackie forgot her pants,” Becky says, laughing. “Her mom called me and asked if I could grab them on my way to the field. When I saw how small they were, I couldn’t believe it. I told her, ‘These look like they belong to a baby doll!’ But sure enough, they were Jackie’s. She was tiny but tough as nails.”

Breaking Out at SIU

That fighting spirit was on full display during Lis’ freshman campaign in 2023. She shattered SIU’s single-season record for home runs (17) and broke the single-game record for home runs with three against Valparaiso and again at Missouri State.

She also drove in 57 runs, another program best, and saved the best for last by going 4-for-9 with a pair of RBIs at the NCAA Regional against Utah and Baylor.

She followed up her 2023 season with a spectacular 2024, cementing her status as a clutch player for the Dawgs by starting 55 games, posting a remarkable .344 batting average with a .467 on-base percentage, and an impressive .725 slugging percentage. She crushed 16 home runs and tallied 55 hits, 52 runs, and 36 RBIs.

Lis was named MVC Most Valuable Player, earned a spot on the All-MVC First Team, and was recognized as the MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Her accolades extended beyond the conference as she was named to the NFCA Second Team All-Region and received CSC Academic All-District honors.

In the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Championship game against the University of Northern Iowa, Lis showcased her offensive prowess by scoring the go-ahead run, helping lead SIU to a 3-2 victory and securing their second consecutive MVC tournament title.

Advancing to the NCAA Tournament, Lis continued to shine. In a critical elimination game against the University of California, she delivered a pivotal RBI double, propelling the Salukis to a 3-2 win and keeping their postseason dreams alive.

Reflecting on the team’s postseason success, Lis emphasized the importance of camaraderie and enjoyment.

“We never felt like we were just playing,” she said. “We were so close, it just felt like we were having fun. When you’re aiming to be a winning team, you might think you can’t have fun, but last year, instead of saying ‘Go Dawgs,’ we said, ‘Have fun.’ We’re keeping that going this year.”

Her postseason heroics not only highlighted her talent but also her confidence and leadership, qualities that have been instrumental in SIU’s recent successes.

“I think with the team we returned and the newcomers we brought in, we are focused on going back to the regionals and taking another step,” Lis said.

The Flex Phenomenon

Lis’ signature flex celebration started as a joke, but it’s become a symbol of her journey. “In my freshman year, one of our coaches teased me about my arms and told me to flex after a home run,” she laughed.

“The first time I did it, the Dawg Pound went wild, and it felt like I’d found my thing.” Now, every flex is a reminder of the grit and effort she’s poured into her game.

Coach Jen Sewell loves the swagger Lis brings. “She’s so heavily scouted, and teams are constantly trying to find ways to shut her down,” Sewell says. “But Jackie always adjusts. I’ve seen her hit intentional walks out of the park. That’s the kind of player she is. Confident. Clutch. A true captain.”

Lis is ready to flex this season, ranked as the nation’s No. 2 shortstop by D1Softball, trailing only Isa Torres of Florida State – a ranking made even more impressive when considering Lis’ natural position growing up was second base.

“We moved her to shortstop in high school (Castle High School, Newburgh, Ind.) and she would play second base in the summer,” Becky said. “So to be ranked number two in the country at shortstop shows you her ability to become what you need her to be.”

Lis also ranks No. 51 in D1Softball’s Preseason D100 Player Rankings and No. 69 in Softball America’s rankings.

In the summer of 2024, Lis continued to showcase her exceptional softball talents on the international stage by competing in the Canada Cup International Softball Series. Representing TC Colorado, she played against top-tier international competition, further honing her skills and gaining valuable experience.

"Playing in the Canada Cup was an incredible opportunity to test myself against some of the best players in the world," she said. "It pushed me to elevate my game and adapt to different styles of play."

Her performance in the tournament not only garnered attention from international scouts but also brought pride to the SIU community.

Coach Sewell said, "Jackie's dedication to improving her game is evident in her willingness to seek out high-level competition. Her experience in the Canada Cup has undoubtedly contributed to her growth as a player and leader for our team."

Family Ties and Staying Loyal

In an era where NIL deals and the transfer portal dominate collegiate sports, Lis’ loyalty to SIU stands out. Despite rumors that she might transfer, she never wavered.

“I’m not going to be bought,” she said. “One of the main reasons I came here is because of my Aunt Becky. She’s in the Hall of Fame, and I’ve always told her I’m going to break her records. That legacy means more to me than anything else.”

SIU Athletics Director Tim Leonard is grateful for Lis’ commitment. “To see a student-athlete with so much loyalty and maturity is very refreshing,” Leonard says. “We are very fortunate to have Jackie as a Saluki. I hope fans come out in full force to see her and the rest of this team throughout the season.”

This season, Lis has embraced a leadership role on a team with 13 new players. “Last year, we had eight seniors who showed us what it means to be a Saluki,” she said. “Now it’s on us juniors to set the tone and uphold the Saluki Standard. It’s not just about the coaches, it’s about players mentoring each other and building a strong culture.”

Lis’ leadership style is rooted in making her teammates feel comfortable. “One of our seniors last year, Rylie Hamilton, told me to always make sure everyone feels at home,” she said. “We don’t tolerate bullying or cliques here. Everyone supports each other.”

Coach Sewell praises Lis’ ability to inspire her teammates. “She’s a role model in every sense of the word. Whether it’s in the weight room, on the field, or in the classroom, Jackie’s work ethic sets the bar for everyone else.”

Balancing Academics and Athletics

Lis’ dedication isn’t limited to the diamond. In the classroom, she attacks her accounting degree with the same intensity she brings to the field.

“I’ve always loved numbers,” she says. “Sometimes in class, I catch myself running softball stats in my head — it’s my way of combining my two passions.”

Her meticulous nature makes her a standout student, balancing a rigorous schedule with precision and poise.

Balancing academics and athletics is no easy feat, but Lis credits her coaches for pushing her to excel.

“They demand our best in everything we do,” she said. “Having good grades boosts your confidence. In a sport where you fail more often than you succeed, that’s invaluable.”

As Lis approaches the 2025 season, she has her eyes set on one key number: 39 (SIU’s career home run record held by Katie Jordan).

“I’m focusing on consistency,” said Lis, who has slugged 33 home runs in two seasons. “It’s not about being flashy. It’s about putting the ball in play, moving runners, and doing whatever it takes to win.”

Her Aunt Becky couldn’t be prouder. “Jackie’s the full package,” Becky says. “She’s got the arm, the glove, the bat, and the baserunning instincts. But more than that, she’s got the heart. She’s everything you want in a player.”

For Lis, it all comes back to the love of the game and the legacy she’s building at SIU.

“I’ve been surrounded by amazing mentors my whole life,” she says. “Now, I want to be that person for the next generation of Salukis.”

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