Alfred University Athletics

Jen (Benson) Oades was a four-year third baseman on the AU softball team, serving as a trailblazer to one of AU’s most successful programs. When Oades entered the program in 1998, it had only existed for four years and was hitting a pivotal time in its history.

Oades is one of AU softball’s most decorated players, earning all-conference honors three times. She was named to the All-PAC Second Team during her first year on campus while earning Empire 8 Second and First Team honors in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

Though she played more than over a decade ago, Oades still remains in the AU softball record book. She currently ranks 10th all-time in runs at AU (84) and seventh in batting average (.379 on 108-of-285). She also holds on to the eighth position for batting average in a season after going 26-of-58 (.448) during the 1999 campaign.

After moving on from Alfred University, Oades continued to play softball at a competitive level. While living in Bloomington, IL, she played with the “Rage” - a competitive travel ball team. She also competed in the Canada Cup during the International Softball Championships, playing against the Australian, Japanese and Chinese Taipei Olympic teams. Finally, after moving to California, Oades played with the “Goldrush” which commonly pitted her against prominent Division I student-athletes. 

Oades fondly remembers “the times hanging out in my apartment on Main Street making lifetime memories with my teammates.”

Oades graduated with Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in ceramic engineering from Alfred University.