Kissimmee, FL—May 28, 2014- The USSSA Pride is pleased to announce their first round draft pick out of the University of Tennessee, Madison Shipman, has signed to join the Pride roster this summer. Shipman was the Pride’s first pick and the 2nd pick overall of the NPF 2014 Draft.
“I am so excited to start the new chapter of my career with the USSSA Pride. To be able to play at that level with that talent on the field is legendary! Go Pride!” Shipman said after signing.
Shipman just completed a stellar career at Tennessee, leading the Lady Vols in 2014 with a .417 batting average. As the 2014 SEC Player of the Year, Shipman belted 18 homeruns and 16 doubles, while striking out only 8 times in 168 at bats. She also was 13-17 in stolen bases. The shortstop has been an anchor to the Tennessee defense, posting a career .961 fielding percentage.
Shipman was a member of the 2011 SEC Championship Tennessee squad. In her career, Shipman has posted a .348 average with 44 home runs and 207 RBIs. She is two-time NFCA All American and named to the All SEC Team three years in a row (2012, 2013, & 2014).
“Shipman is a five tool player, with some leadership. She comes from a championship caliber program in Tennessee, and has championship experience. She isn’t a stranger to the big stage, so we look for her to be able to step in and contribute right away. She’s an all-around athlete, and I think she’s a perfect fit for this program. We can’t wait to get her in a Pride uniform,” said Don DeDonatis General Manager of the USSSA Pride commented.
Shipman is the first of the 2014 draftees to sign with the Pride. She joins free agent rookies Cassie Tysarczyk and Bre’jae Washington on the Pride roster.
About USSSA Florida Pride:
The USSSA Florida Pride is a professional franchise in the National Pro Fastpitch League that is owned and operated by USSSA. The amateur organization of USSSA has multi-sport coverage and encompasses teams and players from the United States and abroad.
About NPF:
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. 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 since 2002.
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