Dallas TX – March 13, 2015 — The Dallas Charge are pleased to announce the recent signing of pitcher Bailey Watts. Watts adds strong Texas roots to the Charge roster and added depth to the Charge pitching staff. The right-handed pitcher was a four-time Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll member at the University of Houston.
Watts anchored a Cougar pitching staff that went to three consecutive NCAA tournaments and a Super Regional match-up in 2011. She led the team in innings pitched, ERA and wins in 2010, 2012 and 2013. In only three years, she left Houston ranked second in career wins, second in shutouts, fourth in total innings, and fifth in strikeouts. She decided not to play in her redshirt season last year to give her body rest after two surgeries in as many years.
“I was so excited to hear there was a finally a team in Texas. Being able to be a part of the Charge joining the NPF is an honor. Returning to softball has been in my head since the moment it ended in college. I don’t think anyone ever loses that competitive edge. Being able to continue my career at an even higher level is such an exciting step for me,” said Watts.
During her final season in 2013, Watts led the University of Houston with a 19-6 record and 2.23 ERA and was named to the All Conference USA team. Her 19 wins were the fourth most in Cougar history and her 22 complete games rank third. In her redshirt sophomore season, Watts led all Cougar pitchers in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. During her freshman year in 2010, Watts again led the team in ERA, wins and strikeouts while being named to the Conference USA All-Freshmen Team.
Watts has faced NPF hitters in the past. During an exhibition game in San Antonio in 2013, Watts pitched two innings against the USSSA Pride as part of the Texas College All-Stars. In the game, which was held during a National Fastpitch Coaching Association Convention, Watts limited Pride hitters to one hit in two innings of work.
“I’m looking forward to competing against all the great athletes in the NPF as it only makes you better,” said Watts.
In high school, Watts won two high school state championships in Texas. She led her Smithson Valley High School team to the 2009 State Championship and West Columbia High School team to the 2006 State Championship.
“I am extremely grateful that the Charge is based out of Texas because my family lives here and it’s been a couple of years since I stepped on the field. I know they are excited to come watch and support the NPF and the Dallas Charge,” said Watts about returning to play professionally in her home state.
Watts will join Mikey Kenney (Texas Tech), Natalie Villarreal (Texas A&M), and Taylor Thom (University of Texas) as Charge players who hail from Texas universities. Molly Fichtner, a Houston native, also played her first two seasons at UTSA before transferring to Alabama.
Currently, Watts resides in San Antonio where she teaches sixth grade youth leadership and social studies and coaches eighth grade volleyball and basketball. She’s also helped implement a softball program at the middle school level. Her work with the youth aligns well with the Charge organization’s commitment to the youth in the local area.
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.