Jaylyn Brister brings real pop and versatility to NIU’s lineup
Brister enters the 2026 season as a productive left-side bat and depth piece for Northern Illinois, with a track record of hitting for average and power dating back to her high school career and a breakthrough college homer in 2025. In the 2025 season, she hit .190 for NIU and delivered her first career home run in a big win over Central Michigan, while NIU’s staff has praised her as an offensive threat who can help score runs quickly and cover both the outfield and first base. She fits a team that wants juice, competitiveness, and lineup flexibility.