Dallas, TX—January 27, 2015–The Dallas Charge announces the signing of the first player in team history—right handed pitcher, Jolene Henderson— a three time All-American from the University of California, Berkeley and former USA National Team member. Henderson, who spent last year pitching for Team USA and playing professionally in Japan for Team Denso, provides the Charge with a serious competitor in the circle and generous champion in the community.
“I think it’s absolutely awesome that the Charge has plans of being so involved with the community,” said Henderson. “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.”
Henderson rewrote the pitching record book for Cal Berkeley before graduating in 2013. She finished as Cal’s all-time winningest pitcher with an overall record of 130-35, and she ranks third all-time in career strikeouts with 1124. 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.
”We are excited that 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.
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. In the 2014 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.
”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 a part of, and I look forward to playing with—and competing against—many of the best players in the world, which is exactly what the NPF is all about.” said Henderson.
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. http://www.profastpitch.com
