Photo Courtesy of John Williamson
Kissimmee, FL –May 29, 2015- The USSSA Florida Pride is pleased to announce former Oklahoma Sooner Shelby Pendley has signed a two year contract with the Pride. The two-time Big 12 Player of the Year and three-time NFCA All-American was the number two overall pick in the 2015 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) draft.
“Shelby Pendley is one of the most dangerous hitters in NCAA history and was perhaps the most athletic player in college softball. We’re excited about the versatility she brings our team. We think she’ll be a great player in this league for a long time,” said Pride General Manager Don DeDonatis.
Pendley ended her college career with the third highest homerun total in NCAA Division I softball history at 84. Her 24 homeruns ranked fifth in the NCAA this season and her .950 slugging percentage ranked seventh. She led the high-powered Sooner offensive with a .413 batting average, 14 doubles and 65 RBI which helped her earn an at-large position on the NFCA All-American First Team.
“I’m excited about a new experience. It’s an honor to have been drafted number two and drafted to such a great organization. I’m excited to start my new career playing in the NPF,” said Pendley.
Pendley’s athleticism showed throughout her college career when she split time at shortstop, third base and in the circle. After not throwing an inning the first two years of her college career, Pendley posted a career record of 14-2 with a 2.24 ERA and 98 strikeouts. This season she made just one error while posting a .993 fielding percentage.
After transferring from the University of Arizona, Pendley was named 2013 Big 12 Player of the Year after hitting .431 and led the league with 10 homeruns and 30 RBIs. She was named a NFCA Second-Team All American after hitting .357 with 22 homeruns and 73 RBIs. She helped lead the Sooners to the 2013 National Championship.
Courtesy of John Williamson
In 2014, Pendley took charge of the Sooner offense after the graduation of Keilani Ricketts and injuries to draftee Lauren Chamberlain. She led the Big 12 in batting average, hits, runs, homeruns, doubles, RBI, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage that season. She earned NFCA First Team All-American honors, WCWS All-Tournament Team, All-Big 12 Defensive Team and Academic All-Big 12 First Team.
“Playing with the Pride is a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to play at the next lever after college,” said Pendley.
Off-the field Pendley is a champion as well. She was named a Lowe’s Senior CLASS First-Team All-American in 2015 for her work on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. The Rio Rancho, New Mexico native is majoring in multidisciplinary studies with an emphasis in coaching and leadership and will graduate this summer.
Pendley and the USSSA Pride kick off the 2015 season in McKinney, Texas against the Dallas Charge on June 6th. Follow all of the action of Twitter, Facebook and www.dev.usssapride.com.
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.
About USSSA:
USSSA is headquartered in Osceola County, Florida. USSSA is the World’s largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!
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