In the dynamic world of college athletics, the transfer portal has become a pivotal mechanism for programs to bolster their rosters, and for athletes to find new opportunities to compete at the highest level. For Duke Blue Devils softball, a significant win has just been secured, one that promises to reshape their pitching staff and amplify their national championship aspirations. Larissa Jacquez, a formidable right-handed pitcher and former star from Eagle Pass, Texas, has officially transferred from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) to Duke, bringing her exceptional talent and proven dominance to the heart of Tobacco Road.
This move, confirmed by Duke softball head coach Marissa Young on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, is more than just another roster addition; it’s a statement. Jacquez’s arrival signifies Duke’s continued commitment to attracting elite talent and building a program that consistently competes for national titles. Her journey from a dominant pitcher in the Southland Conference to a key piece of an ACC powerhouse is a testament to her skill, work ethic, and ambition to play on the biggest stage.
Hailing from Eagle Pass, Texas, Larissa Jacquez made an immediate impact during her two seasons at the University of the Incarnate Word. She quickly established herself as the ace of the Cardinals’ pitching staff, demonstrating a rare combination of endurance, command, and strikeout capability. Her sophomore season in 2025 was nothing short of spectacular:
- Conference Leader: Jacquez led the entire Southland Conference (SLC) with an impressive 1.65 ERA, a testament to her ability to consistently limit opposing offenses.
- National Recognition: Her 1.65 ERA also ranked an astounding 12th nationally among all NCAA Division I pitchers, showcasing her elite performance on a broader scale.
- Workhorse and Dominator: She led UIW in crucial pitching categories, including 151 strikeouts over 148.2 innings pitched, 12 complete games, and 6 shutouts. These numbers reflect her ability to not only get outs but to go deep into games, saving the bullpen and giving her team a chance to win every time she stepped into the circle.
- Opponent Batting Average: Jacquez held opposing batters to a paltry .208 batting average, indicating her effectiveness in limiting hard contact and generating swings and misses.
- All-Conference Honors: Her stellar sophomore campaign culminated in well-deserved All-Southland Conference Second Team honors.
- Consistent Strikeouts: She posted back-to-back seasons with over 100 strikeouts, fanning 151 in 2025 and 129 in 2024 (her freshman year), demonstrating consistent strikeout power. She also boasts 14 games with seven or more strikeouts, including five with 10 or more.
During her freshman season in 2024, Jacquez quickly became a vital arm for UIW, making 28 appearances and earning 18 starts, finishing with a 10-5 record and a 2.85 ERA. She also earned SLC Pitcher of the Week honors early in her career, a clear indicator of her immediate impact. Beyond the field, Jacquez also excelled in the classroom, earning Southland Conference All-Academic first-team honors in 2025, highlighting her commitment to being a true student-athlete.
Duke softball has rapidly ascended under Coach Marissa Young, becoming a formidable power in the ACC and a consistent contender in the NCAA Tournament. The addition of Larissa Jacquez is a pivotal piece in their ongoing quest for a national championship:
- Elite Arm in a Championship Bullpen: Duke is known for its strong pitching, and Jacquez immediately adds another elite arm to an already talented staff. With ace Cassidy Curd entering her senior year, Jacquez, who has two years of eligibility remaining, provides a crucial layer of depth, experience, and high-level performance. She can either step into a starting role or provide formidable relief, giving Coach Young immense flexibility.
- Proven Performance at a High Level: While the Southland Conference is not the ACC, Jacquez’s national ranking in ERA and her consistent dominance against collegiate hitters prove her talent translates. Her ability to lead a conference in ERA and rank top-15 nationally signifies she’s not just a good pitcher, but an elite one.
- Workhorse Capability: Her willingness and ability to pitch deep into games and consistently deliver high-innings outings will be invaluable, especially during the demanding ACC schedule and the pressure of postseason play.
- Fit for ACC Competition: The ACC is one of the premier softball conferences in the nation, boasting top-tier hitting. Jacquez’s ability to limit hits and generate strikeouts suggests she has the arsenal and command to succeed against ACC batters.
- Championship Aspirations: Coach Young explicitly stated, “Larissa is hungry to compete at the highest level.” This aligns perfectly with Duke’s goals. Her ambition to chase a national title led her to transfer, and her talent significantly enhances Duke’s chances of achieving that goal.
- Recruiting Acumen: This transfer is another feather in the cap for Coach Young and her staff, demonstrating their ability to identify and attract top talent from the transfer portal, complementing their strong high school recruiting efforts.
Larissa Jacquez will join a Duke program that has consistently been a top-tier team in recent years. The Blue Devils made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in 2024, hosting a Super Regional, and are clearly building towards the ultimate prize. Integrating Jacquez into the pitching rotation will be a key focus for Coach Young. While the competition level will increase, Jacquez’s track record suggests she has the mental toughness and skill set to adapt and thrive.
Her transition from a successful mid-major program to a Power Five conference powerhouse will be closely watched. However, her collegiate experience, combined with Duke’s established coaching staff and resources, should facilitate a smooth adjustment. Fans in Durham will undoubtedly be excited to witness her talent firsthand, as she looks to translate her dominance from Texas to the heart of Tobacco Road.
The addition of Larissa Jacquez is a clear statement of intent from the Duke Blue Devils softball program. It represents a significant upgrade to their pitching staff, bringing a proven, nationally recognized arm to a team already on the cusp of greatness. For Larissa Jacquez, it’s an opportunity to compete for national championships and further solidify her reputation as one of the elite pitchers in college softball. This transfer is a win-win, and it signals a very bright future for Duke softball.
