TACOMA, Wash. — GoLutes.com is highlighting the six individuals from the 2025 Pacific Lutheran University Athletics Hall of Fame Class that will be inducted on April 12 as part of the 34th induction class. Today's installment features softball's Jewel Koury who was one of the best all-around players in program history.
A Tumwater High School graduate, Koury chose PLU for the success of the program, the relationships she had with Rick and Leanne Noren, and the proximity to home. It was a decision that turned out well for Koury, building a hall of fame resume over the next four years.
As a first year, Koury had a front row seat as the Lutes won a Northwest Conference title and punched a ticket to the NCAA Division III Tournament. Koury finished the season as a Second Team NFCA All-American while earning First Team All-West Region and First Team All-NWC accolades. Koury was at her best when it mattered most, also securing a spot on the NCAA West Region All-Tournament Team.
Her sophomore season Koury was a perfect 11-0 on the mound with a minuscule 0.97 earned run average. Her bat was equally as dangerous, hitting .358 at the plate with 26 RBIs for a team that finished the season with a 36-2 record and finished fourth at the NCAA Division III Championships. The 2002 campaign included a 20-0 record in league play as Koury was tabbed Second Team NFCA All-American and was named First Team by both the NWC and West Region.
Koury was the NWC Player of the Year in 2003, posting a 17-1 record inside the circle while hitting .400 at the plate with 42 RBIs. Koury's contributions helped the Lutes win another NWC title and return to the NCAA Championships for the third consecutive season. She ended the year as a First Team NFCA All-American while netting First Team All-West Region and First Team All-NWC honors for the third consecutive year.
Koury had 41 RBIs and nine home runs as a senior while netting 47 strikeouts, earning First Team NFCA All-American status for the second straight year while nabbing First Team All-West Region and All-NWC for the fourth consecutive season.
Over her four seasons on campus, the Lutes compiled an impressive 122-25 record, winning three conference titles and making three NCAA Tournament appearances. Koury closed her career as the winningest pitcher in program history, boasting a 47-7 record inside the circle, winning at a .870 clip. Koury also sits third all-time in career shutouts (18) and sixth in both wins (47) and earned run average (1.63). Koury also made her mark at the plate, currently sitting sixth in program history in doubles (37) and home runs (23) and seventh in RBIs (131).
Koury accomplished a lot in her time at PLU, but some of her best memories weren't about the awards won or the records set.
"The relationships, friendships, and camaraderie are my favorite memories. The memories of traveling to La Grange, Georgia, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, while making sure we all knew the lyrics to 'Sweet Home Alabama' and 'Back in Black.' I have fond memories with Alicia Guerrero, Irene Bryant, Resa Lee-Bell, Jackie Epperson, Amy McGlinchy, and Sara Shideler."
There were a lot of influential people at PLU for Koury but one of the most impactful was Lute Assistant Coach Phill Scott.
"Calm, cool, and collected, hitting coach Phill Scott also acted as a therapist during the 'slump' stages of my career. Much love to Phill, as I often reflect on his approach to handling challenging situations."
Koury graduated with a degree in environmental science and currently works in human resources and executive talent management for Boeing. Koury and her husband Larry have created a life of adventure that includes a pair of miniature donkeys.
