Jess Bump’s resume reads like an almost-predetermined path to success.

Windsor softball player stays close to home to play at Binghamton University before getting into coaching. After a couple of quick stops at Kentucky and Lafayette, she returns to her college alma mater as a top assistant. Now, four years later, she is promoted to Head Softball Coach at Binghamton University.

Just the way she drew it up, right?

“Definitely not. My path was definitely different than others. Up until my junior year in high school, I played travel softball and AAU basketball. It just got to the point where I had more opportunity going the softball route. I was probably 16 years old not knowing which path I wanted to take,” said Bump, a 2010 Windsor Central High School graduate.

Even when she explored softball opportunities, she didn’t have her sights set on Binghamton.

“I wasn’t looking at Binghamton at all. (Head coach) Michelle Burrell got the job at Binghamton in 2009. She was recruiting me when she was at the University of Rochester and the communication continued,” said Bump.  

Bump went on to a prolific career with the Bearcats. She was a four-year starter and two-time, first-team all-conference honoree. She played in a program-record 191 games, and ranks eighth all time with 161 hits, fifth with 133 runs, sixth with 25 home runs and ninth with 97 RBI.

At Windsor, Bump swam and played basketball, field hockey, and softball. She twice earned All-State honors in softball and still holds the school record in the pool for the 50-meter freestyle (26:32).

Bump’s experience at Windsor, which included a 2008 state championship, served her well as she transitioned to college. Windsor’s 2008 team included five players who would compete in Division-1 college softball.

“From a playing standpoint, one of the things I brought with me was the competitiveness. Our team was stacked in high school. You had to compete for a spot and a lot of high school teams aren’t like that. In college, it’s kind of a rude awakening for a lot of people who are used to being the best on their team. But, in high school, we competed every day,” said Bump.

Bump’s high school coaches, including softball coach Bill Waldron, helped her succeed as well.

“We practiced like a college team and he coached us like a college team. It was definitely an easier transition to college than some of my (Binghamton) teammates,” said Bump.

“I always appreciated the way in which Jess showed up at game time. She understood the meaning of team and was always a team player.  I enjoyed her enthusiasm for the ‘big game’. During her time, she had the fortunate opportunity to play in many ‘big games,’” said Waldron. 

Bump’s Windsor coaches have also influenced her beyond the playing field.

“Bill has had a big impact on my life. He not only cares about you as a player, but also as a person. That’s one of the reasons I coach, to have an impact on my student-athletes,” said Bump. “It’s the same with Jean Martino, Joan Van Riper. I think about those people all of the time during coaching conversations.”

“Her ability to address people, speak to people, and follow through with her plan will serve her well in this new position as head coach.  She cares about the people around her and always did in high school.  She would give support to all in a positive away. At the same time, if she thought something would benefit others on the team, she would bring that out for discussion as well. She will care about the overall well-being of her student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom as a head coach at the D1 level,” said Waldron.

Bump has kept her bonds with her old teammates as well.

“We had 11 players on that 2008 state championship team, and I’m still in touch with seven or eight of them,” said Bump.

Now, Bump will compete for championships of a different kind, looking to steer the Bearcats to the top of the America East Conference.

“I’m really excited. Obviously, this is something I always wanted to do and it came earlier than I expected. It’s not only uncommon that somebody gets to come back home and coach at a high level, but also as an alumna. I feel super blessed,” said Bump.