Dec. 16, 2003
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - San Diego State softball third baseman Kelcy Murphy was selected in the sixth round of the National Pro Fastpitch senior draft by the Akron Racers on Dec. 6. Former Aztec second baseman and undergraduate assistant coach Sarah Hershman (1999-2002) has also signed a free agent deal with the New York / New Jersey Juggernaut.
Murphy will finish her San Diego State career in 2004, which will allow Akron head coach Judy Martino to watch her play and see how and if she will fit in with the Racers without worrying about another team signing her.
"She's a solid player," Martino said. "We're looking for a versatile infielder and will look at her this spring."
"Kelcy's a big, strong kid with potential to be a very powerful hitter," SDSU head coach Kathy Van Wyk said. "Plus, she plays above-average defense."
Murphy's teammate from 2001 and 2002, Hershman, has her name numerous places in the San Diego State record book. She is ranked in the top five in school history in 11 offensive categories, including batting average, home runs, RBI and stolen bases.
"Having players be nationally recognized says a lot about where our program's headed," SDSU head coach Kathy Van Wyk said.
Akron and NY/NJ are part of an eight-team league that will start play June 1. Following each team's 56-game season, the playoffs begin on Aug. 21. Various league games throughout the season are expected to be shown on ESPN and ESPN2.
The league has been in operation since 1997, but dwindled to four teams in two cities in 2002 with all teams being run out of the league office. In 2003, the league had one team go on a nationwide tour, playing 23 games in 17 cities. The biggest change for the league in 2004 will be that all eight teams are individually owned and operated.
Any college senior who was not drafted can sign a free-agent contract.
Murphy and the rest of the 2004 Aztecs begin their season at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 3 with a double-header at Point Loma Nazarene.