May 29, 2015 – Dallas, TX –The Dallas Charge is thrilled to announce the signing of Ashley Burkhardt, the 15th overall draft pick in the 2015 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) senior draft. Fort Wayne, Indiana native recently finished a standout career at Purdue where she led the Boilermakers in batting average, RBI, runs, triples, home runs, and stolen bases. In addition, Burkhardt set the school record for stolen bases in a single game. Burkhardt, a quick, offensive player, is a remarkable addition to the team.
“Ashley is a great fit for the Dallas Charge. She has played at a high level, competes hard and is excited about the opportunity. Like many of our players, she is versatile and adds flexibility and depth to the roster. Ashley can play infield and outfield as well as hit for power from the left. She also led her team in stolen bases, so she is fast. Exactly what we need for our new squad,” said Charge General Manager Kevin Shelton.
Burkhardt, a first baseman, was named first team All-Midwest Region in 2015, her third straight season of receiving all-regional honors. Burkhardt was named first team All-Big Ten and College Sports Madness Big Ten All-Conference second team in 2014. In addition, Burkhardt has been Big Ten Co-Player of the Week twice. Her junior year, Burkhardt ranked in the top 10 in the Big Ten for sacrifice flies (2nd with 4), doubles (6th with 13), RBI (10th with 43), and hits (slugging percentage (10th with .609)), while ranking 30th nationally for sacrifice flies.
“I think the biggest difference between college and NPF will be the level of competition. Every girl in this league has proved themselves in college, but it is the ones that have the drive to bring it up a notch that are the most successful in NPF. There’s competition everywhere and I love it,” said Burkhardt.
Burkhardt’s dedication for softball and people can be seen on and off the field during her time at Purdue. On the field, she was a team leader, leading the team in nearly every stat and pushing the team to several key wins throughout her four years. Off the field, herdedication for the game and people was just as prevalent. She was known as “the mayor” amongst her many friends and coaches because of her friendly and outgoing personality, which led her to attend multiple sporting events on campus and become friends with nearly everyone that she met.
Burkhardt is thrilled to become a part of the Dallas-Fort Worth community, where she hopes to emulate the success she had at Purdue. “I’m so excited to be a part of the inaugural season for the Dallas Charge because we’re an organization that is brand new to the league, but my teammates and I have the opportunity to get our name out there by playing and promoting the game we love for our fans and this community” said Burkhardt.
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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.