College teams normally compete with amateur athletes, but Mississippi State’s softball team will feature three National Pro Fastpitch draft picks.
On Dec. 6, the Akron Racers of National Pro Fastpitch selected Iyhia McMichael with the first pick of the draft.
McMichael, who recorded the seventh highest batting average in school history at .403, crushed a school-record 18 home runs and knocked in 63 runners last season, said she had no idea that she would be selected first.
“I think I’m still trying to soak it all in,” McMichael said. “It’s very exciting to know that you’re ‘the one.’ I was definitely not expecting it.”
While McMichael was surprised by the distinction, her new employer seems fairly confident in his choice.
“We felt that Iyhia possessed the complete package,” said Joey Arrietta, executive director of the Akron Racers foundation. “Iyhia is an unbelievable player both offensively and defensively and we are incredibly proud to bring this young lady into our league as a member of the Akron Racers.”
The New England Riptide selected shortstop Jennifer Jessup with the tenth pick.
Jessup, the second player taken in the second round, says the selection is just a blessing.
“(On draft day,) I burst into tears,” said Jessup. “It was just such a dream come true. I really thank God so much for this opportunity.”
The Texas Thunder chose catcher Jennifer Waterman with the 47th pick.
“I didn’t even know I was in the running to be drafted,” Waterman quipped. “I really had no idea until coach called and told me that I’d been selected. It was just exciting.”
Bulldog skipper Jay Miller says that this is a great boost for an already proud program.
“Anytime you have an athlete selected as the first overall pick it’s an honor,” Miller said. “Iyhia is definitely one of the best players in college softball, Jennifer Jessup is one of the best shortstops in the country and Jennifer Waterman can play at that next level, too. So I think (having three draft picks on the team) really speaks to the strength of our ball club and to the type of talent that we have here.”