Dallas, TX—February 5, 2015–The Dallas Charge announced the trade for former Chicago Bandit catcher and NCAA National Champion Kaylyn Castillo. The Charge traded their fourth round pick in the 2016 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) draft to acquire the rights for Castillo. With the addition of Castillo, the Charge immediately add a veteran catcher who has spent the last three seasons studying NPF hitters.
“It’s exciting to make our first trade. Getting a catcher with experience in the league is important and should help us anchor our team and support the pitching staff effectively. We look forward to her providing leadership and a steady hand behind the plate,” said Charge General Manager Kevin Shelton.
Castillo spent the 2014 NPF season with the Chicago Bandits after she was traded from Akron for Nerissa Myers last February. She hit .169 with 3 doubles, a homerun, and 3 RBIs in 29 games last year. More importantly, she committed zero errors in 109 chances while handling a pitching staff with All-NPF pitchers Monica Abbott and Michelle Gasgoigne.
“Although I am sad to say goodbye to all the wonderful people within the Chicago organization, I am very happy and excited to continue my career in the NPF with the Dallas Charge. Dallas is a very exciting city and I’m up for the challenge of being the foundation of this franchise. I can’t wait to show the fans in Dallas what we can do!” said Castillo.
Castillo spent her first two seasons with the Akron Racers after signing as a free agent in 2012. In her rookie season, she appeared in 44 games and recorded 23 hits and 10 RBIs. Statistically, her best season came in 2013 when she hit .268 with 4 homeruns and 20 RBIs. She ranked amongst league leaders with her .419 on-base percentage and her 13 assists from behind the plate ranked first amongst NPF catchers.
The Norco, California native was a senior on the 2011 Arizona State National Championship team. She played three seasons for the Sun Devils after transferring from the University of Louisville. In the three months leading up to the NPF season, Castillo will play for Team Shokki in the Japan Softball League where she will catch the USSSA Pride’s Keilani Ricketts.
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.