Kissimmee, FL—January 30, 2015–The USSSA Florida Pride announced on Friday the trade for former National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Rookie of the Year Andi Williamson. The Pride traded utility player Alexa Peterson and the 25th overall pick in the 2015 NPF Draft to the Pennsylvania Rebellion for the rights to Williamson. Williamson, who spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bandits, was recently traded from the Bandits to the Rebellion.
“Andi is the type of player who experienced immediate success at the NPF level due to her competitiveness and willingness to be great. We are excited to add a young arm with her credentials to blend with our veteran staff,” said Pride General Manager Don DeDonatis.
During the 2014 NPF season, Williamson posted a 3-3 record and 2.838 ERA. The right-hander had 24 strikeouts in 49.1 innings pitched during her second season with the Bandits. Williamson has also spent the last year playing for Team Toda in the Japan Softball League. Her experience and competitive demeanor add valuable depth to the Pride pitching staff.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to play for the USSSA Pride organization and to play with some of the best players in the game. Having the opportunity to be a part of the Pride pitching staff and being able to learn from pitchers like Cat Osterman will only help me improve my game,” said Williamson.
Williamson was named the 2013 Miken NPF Rookie of the Year after going 9-2 and posting the third best ERA in the league her rookie season. She started 13 games for the Bandits in 2013 and struck out 50 hitters in 75.1 innings pitched. Williamson signed with the Bandits as a free agent after graduating from Marshall University in 2013.
To acquire Williamson, the Pride traded last year’s 11th overall pick, Alexa Peterson. The former Oregon All-American saw action in the outfield and third base last season for the Pride. She hit .389 in limited plate appearances including a homerun and 3 RBIs.
Williamson joins former Bandit teammate Megan Wiggins and former University of Florida pitcher Hannah Rogers as key off-season acquisitions for the Pride.
For all information about the USSSA Pride and the 2015 NPF season, visit the team website www.dev.usssapride.com and follow the Pride all season long on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About USSSA Florida Pride:
The USSSA Florida Pride is a professional franchise in the National Pro Fastpitch League that is owned and operated by USSSA. The amateur organization of USSSA has multi-sport coverage and encompasses teams and players from the United States and abroad.
About NPF:
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball since 2002.
About USSSA:
USSSA is headquartered in Osceola County, Florida. USSSA is the World’s largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!