McKinney, TX — May 26, 2015 – The Dallas Charge is excited to announce the signing of Kaitlyn Richardson, the fifth overall pick in the 2015 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft. Richardson, who originally hails from Arizona, will join the Charge coming off a highly touted career at the University of Minnesota. Richardson is a finalist for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS award, which recognizes seniors who display excellence in the community, the classroom, character and competition.
General Manager Kevin Shelton believes that Richardson versatility and consistent lefty bat will make a huge impact in the Charge’s lineup. “Kaitlyn was a highly sought after player prior to the draft. A majority of the teams in league were interested in her services. Kaitlyn fits our Dallas Charge mold. We’re looking forward to seeing what she can do in a Charge jersey.”
Over her four-year tenure, Richardson was a two-time NFCA All-American, three-time All-Region player and three-time All Big Ten. In 2014, Richardson was also a top-25 finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award. Not only did she excel on the field but in the classroom as well. In 2013 she was a CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-American and in 2014 she was an NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete.
In her senior campaign, Richardson led the Gophers to a NCAA Regional where their season eventually concluded against Arizona. Richardson was named 1st Team All-Great Lakes Region and was 2nd Team All-Big Ten after leading the Gophers in on-base percentage (.484) and fielding percentage (1.000). Most impressively in her senior season, Richardson did not commit a single error on the field and was responsible for 346 putouts.
In her junior and sophomore year, Richardson was named both an athletic and academic All-American. In 2014, she was named to the 2nd Team and 2013 the 3rd Team. Both years she was also named a 1st Team All-Great Lakes Region player as well as a 1st Team All-Big 10.
Richardson has dedicated herself not only to softball, but also to her academics and giving back to the community. In her four years at Minnesota, she collected over 117 hours of community service for various organizations in and around Minneapolis.
The two-time Academic All-American and four-time Dean’s List recipient is majoring in Business with a minor in Marketing and owns a cumulative GPA of a 3.722. At the University of Minnesota she received the Patty Berg Legacy Award, which is given to an athlete who excels in her game, the classroom and in representing the values upheld by the athletics department.
Richardson feels as though playing for the NPF will present her with an even greater stage to keep giving back to the community. “Ever since I came to Minnesota, volunteering has been a big part of my life. Being athletes at the collegiate and professional level, the community looks up to us and it is important that we give back to them. We are grateful of their support and giving back is our way to say thank you. “
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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.