Dallas, TX—February 10, 2015–The Dallas Charge announced the signing of their third player in franchise history—Dallas native and former Texas A&M second baseman Natalie Villarreal. A native of Frisco, TX (a suburb north of Dallas), Villarreal was a two-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year with the Aggies. Villarreal offers the Charge versatility defensively and a combination of speed and lefty power at the plate.
“Natalie brings some unique athletic talent to our team. She is a fierce competitor who can play a wide variety of positions. Offensively, Natalie is tough to defend as she can execute the short game and drive the ball out of the park. I can’t wait to see her in uniform again,”said Charge General Manager Kevin Shelton.
Villarreal played the 2012 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) season with the Carolina Diamonds after signing as a free agent out of Texas A&M. In her rookie season, Villarreal continued her defensive prowess at second base. At the plate, she hit .238 in 40 games with the Diamonds including 3 homeruns, 7 doubles, and 25 runs scored. She had a .327 on-base percentage and was a perfect 5-5 in stolen bases.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to come back to the NPF and play in my hometown. The Dallas area has always been full of softball tournaments and teams and it’ll be a lot of fun to bring the talent of the NPF to this area. I’m really looking forward to competing and growing professional softball in Texas,” said Villarreal.
A rare left-handed second baseman, Villarreal made an instant impact with her glove and bat at Texas A&M helping the Aggies to a National Runner-up finish in the 2008 Women’s College World Series (WCWS). She was named the 2009 and 2011 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the All-Big 12 and All-Central Region teams in those respective years.
By joining the Charge, Villarreal will reunite with her former youth travel ball coach—GM Kevin Shelton—and a fellow Aggie alum in head coach Jennifer McFalls. Shelton coached Villarreal for five seasons with the Texas Glory organization.
“It’s a real pleasure personally to have the opportunity to sign Natalie. I had the privilege of coaching her in club ball where she was the heartbeat of the team. I’m excited about seeing her in action again in her home town,” said Shelton.
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.