Jessup Signs Professional Contract With Chicago
May 23, 2006 | Softball
May 23, 2006
GREENVILLE, N.C. --- Former East Carolina catcher Krista Jessup recently signed a professional contract to continue her softball career as a member of the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. Jessup completed her collegiate career at ECU this past year and finished ranked fifth on the school's all-time hits list with 230 and sixth in RBIs with 120.
During her four-year career at ECU, Jessup improved her numbers each season culminating with a career-best .328 batting average this past year. As a senior, she was the Pirates' leader in batting average, doubles (13), stolen bases (14) and slugging percentage (.444). She also finished the season ranked among the Conference USA league leaders in doubles (5th), hits (8th) and sacrifice bunts (7th).
Regarded an exceptional defensive catcher with a tremendous throwing arm, Jessup threw out over 44 percent of base stealers (19-of-43) this past season.
"Krista has indeed established herself as one of the best defensive catchers out there," said Pirate head coach Tracey Kee. "Compliment that with her ability to hit for average and swipe a base, and you've got a well-rounded catcher. We are going to miss her next season, but for right now, we couldn't be happier for her.
"Being able to continue your softball career is so difficult after college, because the opportunities are so limited. Krista will be a great ambassador for ECU, C-USA and our softball program."
One of Jessup's teammates on the Bandits will be Olympic gold medalist and two-time National Collegiate Softball Player-of-the-Year Jennie Finch. Finch won an NCAA record 60 consecutive games while attending the University of Arizona.
NPF, formerly the Women's Pro Softball League, is a fastpitch softball lea created to provide elite female athletes with the opportunity to compete at the professional level, while providing affordably-priced entertainment for families and sports enthusiasts around the globe.
National Pro Fastpitch is comprised of seven teams: Akron Racers, Arizona Heat, Chicago Bandits, Connecticut Brakettes, New England Riptide, Philadelphia Force and Texas Thunder. The 2006 schedule will include a 48-game regular season schedule for each of the seven teams including seven, four-game home series and five, four-game road series.
