The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Former Softball standout Thom signs with NPF’s Dallas Charge
02.26.2015 | Softball
Joins Longhorns Cat Osterman, Megan Willis, Mandy Ogle and Brejae Washington on current pro rosters
AUSTIN, Texas – Former Texas softball All-American shortstop Taylor Thom has signed as a free agent with the Dallas Charge of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF).
The Cedar Park, Texas, native will re-join Texas assistant and newly announced head coach of the Charge, Jennifer McFalls, as part of the franchise's inaugural season during the summer of 2015. Thom joins former UT standouts Cat Osterman (USSSA Pride), Megan Willis (USSSA Pride), Mandy Ogle (Pennsylvania Rebellion) and Brejae Washington (USSSA Pride) as Longhorns listed on current NPF rosters as of Feb. 18.
"I am extremely excited to sign with the Charge and play against and with some of the best players in the game," Thom said. "I'm looking forward to starting my NPF career in my home state and being able to reconnect with the great softball fans in Texas."
During her time on the Forty Acres, Thom made quite an impression on the program's record book. A 2013 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American, a two-time NFCA All-Central Region choice (2013, 2014), a three-time All-Big 12 Conference selection (2011, 2013, 2014) and the 2014 Big 12 Player of the Year, Thom completed her career at Texas as the program's all-time leader in RBIs (178), while rating second in HR's (38) and third in total hits (243), doubles (43), runs scored (177), total bases (410) and stolen bases (65). She holds the UT record for most career grand slams with six, including four during her 2013 All-American campaign, and set the Texas mark for single-season RBIs with 66 while helping power the Longhorns to the 2013 Women's College World Series.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Taylor Thom has the potential to be one of the best shortstops that has played the game," McFalls said. "She has tremendous range with a cannon arm. In addition, she brings a strong offensive game with power at the plate and speed on the bases. She is definitely a player that belongs in this league. I'm excited to have the opportunity to continue to coach her and watch her compete with some of the best players in the country."
Thom, McFalls and the Dallas Charge will open their inaugural NPF campaign on June 3, 2015, with a match-up against the Pennsylvania Rebellion.
