Photo by University of Arizona Athletics: Jalen Adams, a former Fort Dodge and Iowa Hawkeye standout, will pitch for the University of Arizona in 2025-26.

It didn’t take long for Jalen Adams to find her new home.

The former Fort Dodge all-state pitcher announced over the weekend that she has committed to the University of Arizona softball program. Adams, a second team all-Big Ten and all-region selection for the Iowa Hawkeyes this past season, has one year of collegiate eligibility remaining.

“The coaches (at Arizona) were very good with their communication through this whole process,” said Adams, who had entered the transfer portal less than a week ago. “I was up front about the fact that (transferring) was all very new to me, and I wasn’t quite sure how it all worked. But because of their strong lines of communication, I really felt like I was wanted and could truly make an impact on their team.”

The Wildcats were 48-13 overall this past season and 17-7 in the Big 12, placing second behind national runner-up Texas Tech. Arizona finished 2025 ranked 12th nationally under head coach Caitlin Lowe — a four-time UA All-American and former Olympian who is now 201-91 in four years as the program’s head coach.

“Looking into their schedule from past seasons, I knew they had exactly what I was looking for in competition,” Adams said. “I’m going to have to work very hard to get an opportunity, but I’m excited to get to work as soon as possible and leave everything I have on the field when all is all said and done for my final season.”

Adams was rated a four-star transfer prospect after her banner junior year with Iowa. She posted a 25-6 record in the circle with a 2.18 earned run average, ranking in the Top-5 nationally for wins and complete games.

The Hawkeyes were 35-18 overall and 15-7 in the Big Ten.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jalen to Tuscon after a dominant pitching performance at Iowa this season,” Lowe said in a statement released by the school. “She’s a proven winner and will bring a great deal of high-level experience to our bullpen.”

Arizona’s top two pitchers this spring, Miranda Stoddard (15-0 record, 1.73 ERA) and Devyn Netz (22-6, 2.25), were seniors. Ten of the 22 players on the Wildcats’ 2025 roster are departing.

Lowe also added Indiana pitcher Jenae Berry from the portal recently. Sarah Wright, Rylie Holder, Adams and Berry are all expected to compete for innings immediately.

Arizona was ousted last month in Game 7 of the Tuscon Regional by 21st-ranked Mississippi.

Adams was a four-time first team all-state selection with the Dodgers. Fort Dodge reached the Class 5A championship round three consecutive times, winning the school’s only state title in 2021 with Adams in the circle.

The 2022 FDSH graduate had a career record of 45-34 at Iowa with a 2.44 ERA. Her win total this spring was the most by a Hawkeye since 2009.

Adams led the Big Ten in starts, complete games and innings pitched. She ranked in the Top-10 of the league for ERA (4th), batting average against (5th), WHIP (6th), and strikeouts (9th).

The Wildcats, a traditional softball powerhouse, have advanced to the NCAA Tournament 37 times and won eight national championships. Arizona has been to the Women’s College World Series on 25 different occasions.