Former Turners Falls softball star Jenna Putala passed away at home after a two-year battle with cancer on Aug. 9. Putala graduated from Turners Falls in 2016. Doctors diagnosed Putala with a rare sarcoma in May of 2024. She was 28-years old.
Putala had a legendary career for the Thunder, winning back-to-back state championships during her junior and senior seasons. In the 2016 championship game against Austin Prep, Putala’s RBI double gave pitcher Mackenzie Phillips the only run she would need in a 2-0 Turners Falls victory. At the time, it was the Thunder’s eighth state championship.
“I was just looking for a pitch to hit, honestly,” Putala told the Greenfield Recorder’s Mark Durant after the game. “I wasn’t thinking there was a runner on second or anything else, I was thinking about putting the ball in play. I’ve been in a slump, and to hit that ball was huge. I’m glad I got to do this my last time here.”
Shortly after Putala’s passing, the Turners Falls athletic department lit up the softball scoreboard with the No. 2, Putala’s jersey number during her time with the Thunder. Putala played varsity softball as a seventh grader and was on the roster for Turners Falls’ state championships in 2011 and 2012.
“This was a really tough loss for our community and communities beyond. Jenna was a force to be reckoned with on and off the field,” Turners Falls Athletic Director Jen Luciano said. “She had grit and determination and if she set a goal for herself, she was going to meet that goal. I had the pleasure of being her teacher and then she became a friend.”
Putala went on to play softball at Wesleyan University. She played second base at Turners Falls to near perfection during her career with the Thunder. Turners Falls also added Putala’s initials and jersey number on Gary Mullins Field.
“Obviously she was a terrific softball player for us,” Turners Falls coach Gary Mullins said. “If it was a big ball game we all hoped they would hit it to Jenna, that’s how solid she was. I can remember her errors, that’s how few she had. She was one of those kids that was bigger than life. Who she was and how she played, kids had great respect for her…. wherever she went she impressed people. In 28 years, she accomplished more than most would in their entire lives.”
Injuries slowed down her efforts after a promising freshman season with Wesleyan. In 2017, Putala had a fourth surgery on her left knee. Even with the constant challenges, Putala continued playing softball.
“Watching Jenna play softball and coach softball was just the absolute best. She had such passion for the game and a drive to succeed,” Luciano said. “Despite her body failing her on multiple occasions, she fought back from injuries to get back on that field.”
Shortly before the surgery on her knee, Putala entered a new arena. She began coaching the Turners Falls 14-and-under Suburban League softball team. The coaching continued, as Putala went on to become an assistant coach at Nichols College and Babson College after finishing her playing career.
“I like coaching more than I like playing,” Putala told the Greenfield Recorder’s Jay Butynski after starting her coaching career. “When your player gets a hit, say a triple, and you’re coaching third and you see that smile on their face, it just makes you feel great. Or that girl who doesn’t hit very often gets a big hit and you see that smile, it’s just great. I just love it.”
Putala recently had plans to attend the Pars for a Purpose charity golf tournament at Thomas Memorial but couldn’t attend as she suffered a setback in her treatment. The tournament was a benefit for the Cancer Connection organization, where Putala received services.
“Over the last couple of years, since her diagnosis she fought so hard. When cancer knocked her down and made it hard to walk, she fought back and began a workout routine to get back to walking,” Luciano said. “She exuded positivity through this darkest time and encouraged everyone to live life to the fullest. We were all better when Jenna was around because she brought it out if us and she will be missed deeply by all.”
Putala sent a letter to the tournament, which the organizers read before players set out to play the course.
“So today, as you enjoy a great day of golf, laughter, and time with friends, I hope you’ll remember the lives you’re helping through your generosity,” Putala said in the letter. “Every dollar raised today helps ensure that people facing cancer can continue to receive these therapies, this compassion and this incredible support.
At Turners Falls 2016 class graduation, Putala was the salutatorian. She took to the stage and implored her fellow classmates to live in the moment. “It is a great honor that I stand before you as class salutatorian,” Putala said. “Fellow classmates, let’s cherish this moment.”
Putala had set up the Jenna Putala Sunflower Fund with two specific goals in mind. The fund would contribute to a scholarship in her name at Turners Falls. The second goal would be to contribute to an annual grant to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she received treatment over the last two years.
Donations to Jenna’s Sunflower Fund can be made here.
