Dallas, TX—The Dallas Charge announce the signing of the first player in team history, former University of Cal Berkley All-American and Team USA pitcher, Jolene Henderson. The righty pitcher has signed a one year contract with the Charge and will make her National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) debut in 2015. Henderson, who spent the last year with Team USA and playing professionally in Japan, provides the Charge a competitor on the mound and champion in the community.
”We are excited Jolene has agreed to be part of the Dallas Charge. As the name of the game indicates, the contest starts in the circle and to anchor our team with a person of Jolene’s caliber on and off the field gives the Charge a chance to be competitive in our inaugural season,” said Charge General Manager Kevin Shelton.
Henderson rewrote the pitching record book at Cal. She graduated in 2013 as Cal’s all-time winnginest pitcher with an overall record of 130-35, and she ranks third all-time with 1124 career strikeouts. Henderson was a three-time NFCA All-American and three-time All-Pac 12 Team member with the Golden Bears. She was named the Pac 12 Pitcher of the Year in 2012. During her senior year, Henderson was a Top 10 Finalist for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year and a finalist for the LOWE’s Senior CLASS Award. She was drafted by the Chicago Bandits third overall in the 2013 NPF Draft but sat out due to an ACL injury she sustained her senior season.
”To be the first player in Dallas Charge history is definitely an honor. Playing in the NPF is an experience that I am thrilled to be apart of. I am looking forward to becoming a better player from all of the talent and competition the league offers,” said Henderson.
Last summer, Henderson was arguably the ace of Team USA. She recorded the win against Australia to help USA advance to the Gold Medal game of the International Softball Federation (ISF) Women’s World Championship last August. Henderson was named Pitching Champion of the Italian Softball Week Championship after helping USA win the championship. In the General Tire World Cup of Softball IX, Henderson led the pitching staff with a 0.512 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 13.2 innings. Her efforts helped USA capture the World Cup title in Irvine, California.
Beyond the accolades, the Charge’s first-ever player brings a competitive spirit and commitment to giving back to the sport, something the Charge organization was founded upon. The Elk Grove, California native said she is excited about the opportunity of being involved with the DFW community.
“I think it’s absolutely awesome that the Charge has plans of being so involved with the community. As NPF players, we have the ability to play on a stage that the younger softball community looks up to, and being able to give back to the community is something I strongly value,” said Henderson.
Henderson spent last year playing for Team Denso in the Japan Softball League (JSL). She will return to Japan in March before returning for the 2015 NPF season this summer.
”Jolene’s signing can’t be overstated. As our first player in team history, she can be an important pillar as we build the foundation for long term success. We look forward to seeing her in a Charge uniform and electrifying fans this summer,” added Shelton.
The Dallas Charge inaugural season kicks off at home on June 3, 2015 against the Pennsylvania Rebellion. For more information about the Dallas Charge, visit the team website www.dallascharge.com or call the front office at 724-CHARGE1 (724-242-7431).You can also follow the Charge on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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 NPF
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.