TUCSON - Former Arizona catcher Chelsea Goodacre has signed a free agent deal with the National Professional Fastpitch's USSSA Florida Pride to play professionally with the club this summer, the Pride announced.
“Words cannot explain how unbelievably thrilled I am to sign with the USSSA Pride," said Goodacre. "I look forward to the opportunity to continue playing softball, the opportunity to play in a professional organization with such great players, and having the chance to learn from people who have contributed so much to this game."
Goodacre, an All-American catcher at Arizona, joins former Wildcat Brigette Del Ponte on the two-time defending champion Pride. Goodacre's classmate Hallie Wilson was drafted by the team in April, but will not join the team until the summer of 2016. Additionally, four-time All-American and current assistant coach Caitlin Lowe competed for six years with the Pride.
“I’ve asked Caitlin a thousand questions about the Pride and NPF and am so grateful to her for sharing her experiences with me," said Goodacre. "She shared with me that having the opportunity to play in the NPF and for the Pride was something that she will always cherish. She also told me the pitching at this level is unbelievably good and the base runners are exceptionally fast.”
Goodacre, a Temecula, Calif., native, hit 24 home runs and batted in 86 runs on the season, good for fifth and first in the NCAA, respectively. Her impressive senior season totals gave her 71 home runs and 240 RBI, fifth and seventh in Arizona history, respectively.
“Goodacre has put up tremendous power numbers since she arrived at Arizona and has been a steady presence behind the plate," said Pride General Manager Don DeDonatis. "We think she can continue both of these qualities in the NPF and she adds depth at the catching position, something we definitely needed.”
The USSSA Pride kick off the 2015 season in McKinney, Texas against the Dallas Charge on June 6th.
