May 28, 2015 – Dallas, TX – The Dallas Charge is pleased to announce the signing of Danielle Henderson, the fourth overall pick in the 2015 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft. Henderson will join her older sister, Jolene, who made history when she became the Charge’s first signed player. Henderson just finished her senior season with the University of California-Berkeley. The Elk Grove, CA product left the program etching her legacy in the record books. She was in the top five of Cal’s career history for homeruns (53), RBI (165), total bases (384), slugging percentage (.640) and walks (159).
Head Coach Jennifer McFalls thinks that Henderson will make a big impact for the Charge right from the start. “She is a very disciplined hitter. I believe she handles pressure situations well and wants to be in the box with runners in scoring position. She has a great senior year and we are looking forward to seeing her carry that into the summer. I think she will make quick adjustments and compete well in the NPF.”
Over Henderson’s career she collected three All-Region awards and was named to a Pac-12 team all four years. In her senior season she was awarded 1st Team All-Pacific Region, All-Pac 12 1st Team and All-Pac 12 Defensive Team. In 2014, she was an All-Pacific Region 2nd teamer and named 1st Team All-Pac 12. Her sophomore year she received 1st Team All-Pacific Region honors along with All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention. And in her first year on campus she was named All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention and was placed on the All-Pac 12 Freshman team.
Henderson recognizes that the level played at the NPF is a lot different than college but she’s up for the challenge. “I think the biggest adjustment that I will have to make entering into the NPF is in the off-season. In the last 4 years, I’m not used to having time off but now I will have to take it upon myself to be prepared for the season with the work I do in the off-season. My preparation in the off-season will define my success in season. And, I am more than willing to make that adjustment, as it is what transitions me to my childhood dreams.”
A childhood dream that she gets to share with her older sister. As mentioned earlier Danielle, who was the first ever drafted player taken by the Charge, will join her sister Jolene. They played high school and select ball together and when it came to picking a college, Danielle didn’t hesitate when Cal gave her the call. “Jolene and I may be sisters, but we’re more than just blood. We are each other’s best friends. Throughout my career we have been fortunate enough to play together in nearly every level of softball and I’m excited we get to continue to play together in the NPF. I think what makes me happiest about playing together again is that we now have the ability to share our unique bond and superstitious “head bumps” while getting to wear a Charge uniform.”
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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 at dallascharge.com or 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.
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.