McKinney, TX- November 2, 2015 – Dallas Charge GM Kevin Shelton has extended the contracts of Vanessa Stokes and Mikey Kenney. Stokes, the Australian National, inked a two-year deal, while Texas Tech alum, Kenney, signed through the 2016 season.
Stokes, a critical piece of the Charge inaugural season, established herself in her first stint in the NPF. Stokes is the first Australian born player to play in the NPF. Re-signing the six foot pitcher is an important step in maintaining the depth of the Charge pitching staff. The Australian National Team player made the first start in Dallas Charge history to kick off the 2015 campaign. She finished the summer with a 5-3 win/loss record and 3.68 ERA. Stokes made 15 appearances last season, including 10 starts. The hard throwing righty tossed 55.1 innings and struck out 33. Opponents hit .298 against her and she posted a solid 1.52 WHIP.
Kenney will also return to the Charge for a second year. A solid outfielder with one of the strongest arms on the team, she hit three home runs in 2015. Kenney was one of the most prolific hitters in Texas Tech softball history. The Arvada, Colorado native left Texas Tech as the all-time home run, RBI, and runs leader. Kenney brings a powerful, right-handed bat to the lineup and strong defensive presence in the outfield.
“We were pleased to reach the NPF Championship Series in our first season and we are committed to building a championship contender,” Shelton said. “The re-signing of Stokes and Kenney will help keep us on a positive track. We will continue to solidify and improve our roster for the upcoming season and beyond, in the coming months.”
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