The Dallas Charge Sign McKinney’s Kathy Shelton

May 15, 2015

The Dallas Charge of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league is excited to announce the signing of Baylor’s all-time steals leader Kathy Shelton. The former All-Big 12 and All-Region player has signed as a free agent after spending a season on the sideline as an assistant coach, helping Northwestern St. win the Southland Conference regular season title. Her signing adds more tools to the Dallas Charge both defensively and at the plate.

“We are pleased to add another local player to the team,” Dallas Charge GM and Kathy’s father, Kevin Shelton says. “Kathy brings speed, tremendous energy, work ethic and an unrelenting will to win. On a personal note, I’m glad she decided to be a part of the inaugural team. It should be fun! I have heard from many of our fans that they would love to see her in action again. It won’t be long now.”

Charge Head Coach Jennifer McFalls said about the signing, “I’m really excited to have Kathy join the Charge! She is such a tremendous athlete and I have always loved how she competes. She puts so much pressure on the defense because of her speed and bat control and is one of the best outfielders in the game. She will definitely be an impact player for us!”

As a four-year starter at Baylor, Shelton finished her career holding seven school records and is top five in 13 offensive statistical categories. Shelton was NFCA All-Region and All Big XII three times, was named to the Big XII All-Defensive Team and was named the 2013 Big XII Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Shelton said, “I am extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Dallas Charge during the inaugural season in the NPF.”

During her 2013 senior campaign at Baylor, Shelton secured the program’s single-season record for steals (41) as well as the all-time mark (121). Following the season, Shelton was one of just 20 Big XII student-athletes to receive the Dr. Prentice Gautt Postgraduate Scholarship.

In 2011, Shelton played a key role in the Lady Bears’ 2011 Women’s College World Series run as she led the Bears in batting average (.359), hits (74), runs (35) and stolen bases (33).

Baylor Head Coach Glenn Moore was pleased about the signing, “Baylor Softball is excited to have our very own Kathy Shelton playing in the NPF with the Dallas Charge. Charge fans are about to see one of the most dynamic athletes in the game.”

Baylor red-shirt junior Linsey Hays was excited for her old teammate and shared some thoughts, “Kathy’s passion for the game and leadership have always been something I have admired and I know she will be a positive asset to the team.”

Kathy received her Bachelor’s degree at Baylor in the spring of 2013 and immediately began working on a Master’s of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders. After completing her graduate degree she took an Assistant Coaching position at Northwestern St.

A Graduate of McKinney North High School where she was a multi-sport letter winner, Shelton was listed No. 20 on 2009 ESPN National Top 25 Seniors List, ranked No. 17 on VYPE Magazine Hot 20 Baseball & Softball Players, 2009 Dallas Morning News first-team All-DFW, 2009 9-4A District Defensive Player of the Year. She helped lead McKinney North to the 2008 District 9-4A championship, which helped her earn District and High School Sports Magazine Collin County MVP honors, was also named to the Dallas Morning News first team All-Dallas-Fort Worth, McKinney Courier Gazette “Ms. McKinney Softball” and McKinney News.net Softball Player of the Year. In 2007 she helped guide the Bulldogs to the 4A state semifinals and was named to the TGCA All-State team.

Kathy’s career comes full circle as she returns to play professional fast-pitch where she played her entire club ball career (9+ years) with McKinney based Texas Glory Fast-Pitch.

The Dallas Charge inaugural season kicks off at home on June 3, 2015 against the Pennsylvania Rebellion. For more information and questions about the Charge, contact us at [email protected] or call 724-CHARGE1 (724-242-7431). You can also follow the Charge on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About the Dallas Charge

The Dallas Charge will begin competition in the National Pro Fastpitch league in 2015. The Charge will provide elite softball players the opportunity to pursue a professional career and inspire the next generation of professionals. Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the Charge organization and its players are committed to demonstrating leadership in community involvement, entertainment, and professionalism. Follow the Charge at www.dallascharge.com or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About National Pro Fastpitch

National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball and has been since 2002.