Jolene Henderson is no stranger to success.
As the winningest softball pitcher in Cal history, Henderson, a senior, knew all along she would have a future in softball once her time as a Golden Bear comes to a close after the 2013 season.
Now she knows just where she’ll have the chance to extend her legacy at.
On Monday afternoon, the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch league (NPF), a professional softball league, selected Henderson with third overall pick in the draft.
The Bandits finished the summer season with a 25-19 record and came in second place in a NPF league that features four total teams.
However, the NPF is currently on the rise as the league recently reached an agreement with ESPN to air six games on ESPN2, with ten more being streamed online on ESPN3.
Henderson should become Chicago’s No. 2 starter in her first season, behind well established staff ace Nikki Nemitz. Given Henderson’s impressive resume and skillset, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Henderson become the Bandits number one option in the near future.
After the draft, Henderson tweeted that she was “honored” to be drafted by Chicago, and that “the future is near, but I’m living in the now.”
With good reason, Henderson’s focus is on this season as the Bears are currently an impressive 27-3 overall. Henderson’s own line is even more impressive. At 23-2 on the season, Henderson’s ERA sits below 1.00 at 0.90 and opponents are hitting a meager .190 off of her.
The only accomplishment alluding Henderson is a national championship. After falling just short last season, the team captain will have one last shot of leading her teammates to a national title this May.
Sean Wagner-McGough covers softball. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @seanjwagner.