McKinney, TX – December 21, 2015 – The Dallas Charge are excited to announce the addition of Kristen Zaleski to our coaching staff for the 2016 season. The five year NPF veteran and former NPF MVP has spent the past five years at the helm of Temple College. Under her leadership the squad has earned a 234-73 record, won two conference regular season titles and three conference tournament championships. Zaleski’s teams have won at least 45 games in each campaign, once guiding her squad to a 23-game win streak and in 2015 to 51 wins and a 7th place finish at the NJCAA World Series. The Texas State Alum has had nine players named NJCAA All-American.
A delighted Zaleski said, “I am thrilled at the opportunity to be involved with the Dallas Charge and the NPF. I am looking forward to coaching with some of the best coaches in the game and to working with such talented athletes. I am excited to experience the NPF in a different aspect and hope to contribute to the success of this organization and the growth of the league.”
Zaleski played professional softball for 5 seasons (2004-2008) in the National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF), 3 for Texas Thunder and 2 for Rockford Thunder. Zaleski was named the NPF Most Valuable Player in 2005. In 2006, Zaleski was named to the United States National Training Team but fell just shy of being selected to the final 2008 Olympic Team.
Head Coach Jennifer Rocha, who facilitated the hire related, “I am very excited about adding Kristen Zaleski to this staff. Her knowledge of the game and experience in the NPF will be a tremendous asset to our team. Kristen has a heartfelt passion for the league and growing the game and I look forward to coaching with her.”
Zaleski is a graduate of Texas State University where she played from 2001-2004. In both 2003 and 2004 Zaleski was honored as an NFCA All-American, CoSIDA Academic All-American, and the Southland Conference Player and Hitter of the Year. Zaleski graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus in Law Enforcement in 2004.
It is a pleasure to add Zaleski to our brain trust for the upcoming season. Her combination of NPF playing and college coaching experience is a nice blend to add to Coach Rocha and Coach Wieligman. The voice of a former league MVP will be a valuable asset to our roster which is still very young. She is a great complementary piece to our club,” Dallas Charge GM Kevin Shelton said.
About Dallas Charge:
The Dallas Charge, headquartered in McKinney, TX, began competition in the National Pro Fastpitch league in 2015. The Charge 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 Dallas Charge at www.dallascharge.com.
About National Pro Fastpitch:
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fast pitch 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 fast pitch softball since 2002. www.profastpitch.com