Dallas, TX – March 3, 2015 — The Dallas Charge is thrilled to announce the signing of former Crimson Tide and All-SEC player Molly Fichtner. Fichtner, a Houston native, completed her collegiate career in 2014 at the University of Alabama. In her senior season with the Crimson Tide, Fichtner was named Second Team All-SEC and was a Capital One Academic All American – one of just four players in her class. In 2014, Fichtner helped Alabama win the 2014 SEC Championship and finish as National Runner-up in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS).
“We’re really excited about the signing of Molly and all that she will bring to our organization. She’s a fierce competitor with a great work ethic and she’s someone who embraces the opportunity to be a role model to our young fans,” said Charge General Manager Kevin Shelton.
Fichtner, who stands at a mere 5’2”, came up huge for Alabama in her senior season. She was named Second Team All-SEC in 2014 and lead the Crimson Tide with a .391 batting average and .984 fielding percentage in SEC play. She completed the season with 27 hits, 7 doubles, and 16 RBIs while also erasing seven runners in their attempted stolen bases, making her the SEC conference leader for total put-outs behind the dish.
“What interested me the most about signing with the Dallas Charge was the fact that it is a first year Texas-based NPF team and I am a proud Texan! To be part of this group of amazing athletes is such an honor and will be a great experience learning from them and the coaching staff,” said Fichtner.
Before transferring for her final two seasons at Alabama, the Texas native started her collegiate career as a Road Runner at the University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA). In 2011, Fichtner was named Southland Conference Freshman of the Year, and in 2012 was named Student-Athlete of the Year and 2nd Team All-League. She ranked among the conference’s top ten in runs scored (tied for 1st), on-base percentage (2nd), walks (3rd), total bases (tied for 4th), slugging percentage (5th), batting average (6th), hits (tied for 8th), doubles (tied for 8th), and RBIs (tied for 9th). In 30 Southland contests, she managed to uphold a .310 batting average with 27 hits, 24 runs, 8 doubles, 5 homeruns and 17 RBIs. Defensively, she maintained a .981 fielding percentage with 226 putouts and 36 assists, throwing out 21 base runners – the second best in the conference.
The signing of Molly Fichtner marks the third Dallas Charge signee to have hailed from the Lone Star State. Fichtner graduated from Clear Brook High School in 2010 where she received numerous honors.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the other players and building more life long friendships, as well as learning new things about the game I love. I’m also looking forward to the challenge of competing at the highest level. I will be playing with and against the top softball girls in the country and I cannot wait for that!” said Fichtner.
Currently, Fichtner is a Volunteer Assistant Coach at the University of Alabama.
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.