Nashville, TN – April 14, 2016 – The Dallas Charge draft four in the 2016 NPF Draft Thursday night in Nashville, TN at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Charge had picks #9, #15, #29 and #38 in the second, third, fifth and sixth rounds respectively.
"I thought it was a very productive evening. The players we added are excited about being a part of our team and the league," said Charge General Manager, Kevin Shelton. "We added athletic ability and depth that should serve us well."
With their first pick the Charge chose UAB middle infielder Caitlin Attfield, who attended the draft. The Niagara, NY, native who typically plays shortstop, was the 2015 Conference USA Player of the Year. "Attfield is extremely versatile," Shelton said. "She comes from a baseball background, which i like and helps create some necessary depth in the middle infield."
In the second round, GM Kevin Shelton picked Missouri outfielder, Taylor Gadbois. The redshirt senior speedster is from Maryville, Missouri and was a 2014 NFCA All-American. In 2015 she hit .347 and stole 40 bases. It was the second year in a row she had 40-plus steals. Gadbois is now 3rd all-time among Tigers stolen bases. "Taylor can really run and she plays very hard. She adds to our team speed, which we really needed. Excited to see her play," Shelton related.
Left handed pitcher Cheridan Hawkins was selected in the 29th spot of the night. The 5'10" Oregon senior from Anderson, CA is an NFCA All-American and on the USA Elite Team. One of the best Ducks pitchers ever, she holds three school records, single game and single season strikeouts, and career no-hitters. "Very pleased to add a left handed pitcher of Cheridan's quality to our roster. It helps balance our pitching staff nicely," Shelton said.
With their final pick of the draft the Charge chose Oregon's Alyssa Gillespie. The Duck outfielder has been All-Pac 12 for multiple years. "Gillespie is another speedy outfielder that could add depth and increase our ability to play aggressively," Shelton commented.
"I am very happy with the young talent we drafted last night," Charge Head Coach Jennifer Rocha said. "Attfield, Gadbois, Gillepsie and Hawkins will be a nice addition to our returning roster. This is a very athletic group of women who I believe will be fun for our fans to watch."
The draft brings the 2016 Charge Roster to 21 players. Tryouts are on the horizon, set for May 2.
Tickets are on sale now for the season including the June 17th game against Team USA.
About Dallas Charge
The Dallas Charge, headquartered in McKinney, TX, began competition in the National Pro Fastpitch league in 2015. The Charge 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 Dallas Charge at www.dallascharge.com
About National Pro Fastpitch:
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fast pitch 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 fast pitch softball since 2002. www.profastpitch.com